Biography > Other people

James Faucit Cathcart (1828–1902), British actor who gave lessons in dramatic expression and interpretation to the young F. M. Alexander.   F. M. Alexander mentions that he had received instruction from James F. Cathcart in UoS:   I observed that this condition of undue muscle tension affected particularly the use of my legs, feet and […]

Herbert Spencer (1820–1903), influential English philosopher and prominent liberal political theorist. He is quoted by F. M. Alexander.   Herbert Spencer’s work and philosophy Herbert Spencer espoused a philosophy of inevitable progression and positivism with a belief in a unity of scientific method, a belief in natural law governing everything including human thinking and behaviour. […]

François (Alexandre N. C.) Delsarte (1811–71), French teacher of singing and acting, known for being the founder of a method of expression known as the Delsarte System.   The Delsarte System Acting in the early 19th century was mechanical and stereotyped; Delsarte represented one of the first modern attempts to develop a dramatic technique in […]

Dorando Pietri (1885–1942), Italian marathon runner, whose running style in the 1908 London Olympic Games was commented upon by F. M. Alexander.   Life and 1908 London Olympic Games Dorando Pietri first participated in cycling competitions in 1903 but soon turned to running. He became famous by winning the Paris Amateur Marathon (30 km) in […]