LIBRARY - Reference(s)

The Universal Constant in Living (Mouritz 2023 edition)

Submitted by Jean Fischer on Wed, 25/10/2023 - 07:31
By: 
F. Matthias Alexander. Edited by Jean M. O. Fischer.
Material type: 
Books, non-fiction, edited collection
AT Focus: 
Alexander Technique
2023
October
25
Format: 
Paperback
Size: 
130 x 198 mm.
Language: 
English
ISBN/ISSN/DOI: 
ISBN-13: 978-3903416147.
Publisher: 
Mouritz (Austria)
Mouritz Bibliography
Topic area: 
The Universal Constant in Living
Cover image: 
Later edition flag: 
An earlier edition of this exists
Biblio ID: 
ALE023PE4
Base ID: 
ALE941HE1
Mouritz description: 

The white-cover paperback books of Alexander's books contain the essential texts: they are almost identical to the last editions Alexander was responsible for in 1945–46: the complete text of the books with the forewords and introductions published at the time (for example containing Dewey’s or Coghill’s introductions, and Alexander’s forewords and Alexander’s new forewords). In the case of Articles and Lectures it only contains Alexander’s writings (and hence no editorial commentary, contextualising or notes). The difference between the cream-coloured cover editions and the white-coloured cover editions of Alexander’s books is that the white paperbacks do not contain: Walter Carrington’s and editor’s forewords; notes on the text; endnotes; appendices or any photographs added since the 1945–46 editions.

The new white editions (published October-November 2023) contain an index (unlike the old white editions). A few typographical errors have been corrected in all four books.

Publisher Description: 

The Universal Constant in Living was Alexander’s fourth and last book. It contains his most mature and consummate thoughts on his technique.
Alexander shares with the reader knowledge accumulated in the course of more than 45 years of practical teaching experience. Having fully developed the concepts of his technique, he presents a clear exposition of the fundamental principles: prevention (inhibition), the primary control of use, and the unity (wholeness) of the human organism, among others.
Written in the turbulent 1930s and completed in the early years of WWII, The Universal Constant in Living makes a great plea for understanding the dangers of separation in the activity of living. Alexander explains how his technique meets the urgent need for wholeness in approach and action.
Furthermore, he argues that the practice of his technique provides not only freedom of thought and action, but freedom in thought and action.
Alexander also presents testimonies to the practical results and principles of his technique.
In an appreciation of Alexander’s work Professor George Coghill, a pioneer of developmental neurophysiology, provides support for Alexander’s concept of a primary control.

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