| First published in STATNews, vol. 4 no. 16, September 1996. |
The author justifies the inclusion of the Technique in this well-known series by repeating Alexander’s own assertion that, as he (Alexander) did not have anyone else’s hands to rely on, it is therefore not essential to have lessons from a teacher. However, Walter Carrington has said on occasions that in his years of teaching he has never met anyone who had successfully learnt the Technique without help. One could draw parallels with self-taught violinists or pianists whose progress is generally cut short as they come up against the barrier of a deficiency in their practical understanding of what is required.
Richard Craze’s style is refreshing but sometimes tedious due to repetition of his several attempts at explanations. He is invariably “up-beat” on the value of the Technique and about STAT and STAT Books, for which one is grateful. Despite the generous acknowledgement (p. vi), other than providing general information, the Society played no part in the preparation of this book. The first the Society knew of it was when it appeared in bookshops!
Assuming the author is not a teacher, anyone who has tried to write an introduction to the Technique, can feel sympathy as he frequently struggles with his tenuous grip on the subject.
For instance, the author has a valiant stab at inhibition: “[Alexander] realised that if, just as he was about to do something, he let go of the thought of doing it, then nothing tensed. He called this letting go of the thought of doing something, inhibition. Basically it is inhibiting the habit caused by the thought.” (p. 11) But then, inexplicably, there is a section called “Inhibitions” (p. 30).
As an introduction Craze’s book is meant to instruct readers without the need for a teacher, but it may also get them rushing to the phone to book lessons for more explanation. Let’s hope so.
© Malcolm Williamson. Reproduced with permission.
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This edition © Mouritz 2005. All rights reserved. |
