Books and Articles

The Undivided Self
by Theodore Dimon, Jr.

Based on Alexander’s discovery of "use,” the author argues that a unified concept of mind and body, in contrast to other mind/body theories, points the way to a truly educational approach to health based on conscious prevention and control. The book begins with the author’s narrative account of how he arrived at his theory, and concludes with a review of mind/body techniques. Forward by Walter Carrington. [220 pages, pb, illustrated with drawings and diagrams, 1999, North Atlantic Books, $16.00]

Anatomy of the Moving Body: A Basic Course in Bones, Muscles, and Joints
by Theodore Dimon, Jr.

A complete, lecture-based course in bones, muscles, and joints designed specifically for dancers and movement educators. With thirty-one elegantly illustrated chapters, each covering a distinct region of the body. Dimon simultaneously demystifies and brings to life the structure and mechanics of the human body. Topics discussed are: etymology of anatomical terms; origins and attachments of muscles and related actions; discussion of major functioning structures such as the pelvis, shoulder girdle, ankle, and hand; major landmarks and human topography; and structures related to breathing and vocalization. [248 pages, pb, illustrated, 2001, North Atlantic Books, $17.00]

"More than just clear, concise, and accurate, Dimon’s Anatomy of the Moving Body also wonderfully expresses the joy of musculoskeletal anatomic understanding—its marvelous vocabulary and endlessly fascinating relations of structure and function.”

John H.M. Austin, M.D.

Professor Radiology,

College of Physicians and Surgeons

Columbia University, New York, NY

Frank Pierce Jones: Collected Writings on the Alexander Technique
edited by Theodore Dimon, Jr. and Richard Brown

A compilation of 40 scientific and humanistic papers on the Technique, including some never published before. The collection includes an introduction on the life and work of Frank Pierce Jones, and each paper is introduced with explanatory notes. Foreword by Professor Alexander Murray. [376 pages, pb, illustrated, 1999, $19.95]

Alexander Technique and the Voice: Understanding the Whispered 'Ah'

by Theodore Dimon, Jr.

Breathing, voice use and the whispered "ah” introduced for people who are already familiar with the Technique. The anatomy of breathing and voice production is explained as are the reasons for practicing the whispered "ah.” Controlled exhalation, the smile and some hints as to the correct sound of the "ah” are also described. [24 pages, bklt, b/w line-drawings, 1996, $6.50]

A Brief History of Mind/Body Techniques

by Theodore Dimon, Jr.

This papers gives a concise and brief historical overview of mind/body methods. It traces the origins of current mind/body practices, including hypnosis, psychoanalysis, psychosomatic medicine, body-oriented psychotherapy, bodywork and massage, awareness techniques, development movement, and Oriental medicine. The paper includes quotations from original sources and an extensive bibliography. [48 pages, bklt, 1998, $7.50]

The Control of Tension: A New Field for Prevention
by Theodore Dimon, Jr.

An in-depth look at the Alexander Technique and its profound insights into problems of health and functioning. More than just a synopsis of the Alexander Technique, the paper explains the causes of tension and stress; the fallacy of relaxation techniques; the limitations of medical diagnosis and the medical model; and proposes a holistic approach to health based on the concept of "use. The paper is illustrated with the case history of a violinist suffering from a shoulder problem and two case histories dealing with stress. [40 pages, bklt, 1998, $7.50]

". . . the best interpretation and statement of the principles of the Alexander Technique that I have read.”

Dr. Jean Laragh

Professor of Medicine in Physiology and Biophysics

Cornell Medical School

The Elements of Skill: A Conscious Approach to Learning
by Theodore Dimon, Jr.

Much more than another how-to book, The Elements of Skil l advances a new approach to learning based on the awareness and control of action. Dimon argues that the most important element in skilled performance is neither practice nor mechanical drilling but an understanding of one’s habitual ways of doing and thinking. He clearly describes principles that can help children and adults alike overcome learning difficulties by breaking skills down into manageable elements and removing harmful habits. Of fundamental use to teachers and parents, The Elements of Skil l presents a bold new thesis on learning based on the functioning mind and body as "the central instrumentality upon which all learning depends.” [220 pages, pb, illustrated with black and white photes, 2003, North Atlantic Books, $12.95]

"Addresses an essential but neglected aspect of education . . . a necessity for teachers, parents, and all who are committed to learning.”

Dr. Seymour Simmons III

Professor of Art and Art Education, Winthrop University

In Form and Moving: A Series on Anatomical Design and Function
by Theodore Dimon, Jr.

In the known universe, there is no animate or inanimate structure as miraculous and complex as the human body. In this series of seven articles, Dr. Dimon explores the wonderful and intricate design of the human body and its capacity for skilled action and movement. His functional approach to anatomy provides a gateway to anatomy, and makes sense of bones and muscles not just in terms of corrective exercise or release of specific tension, but in terms of how the body is designed to function. [Reprints, 15 pages, AmSAT Journal, Issues 45-50, 1999-2001, $3.00]

The Dynamic Voice: A Series on Vocal Design and Function
by Theodore Dimon, Jr.

The human voice is a miracle of nature, a true marvel of engineering and design. In this series of five articles, Dr. Dimon introduces the reader to the remarkably subtle and intricate design of the human voice and how it serves as an instrument of expression. [Reprints, 11 pages, STAT News, Vol. 6, Issues 10-14, 2003-4, $3.00]

In Thought and Action: Outlines of a New Field

Talks on the revolutionary implications of Alexander’s work
by Theodore Dimon, Jr.

Over a hundred years ago, F. Matthias Alexander introduced a series of groundbreaking discoveries that, he felt, had vast implications for education, behavior, and human evolution. Yet in spite of the present-day popularity of the Alexander Technique, the larger scientific and educational implications of Alexander’s work have yet to be appreciated. In this series of five talks, Dr. Dimon discusses the revolutionary implications of Alexander’s work and examine its potential contributions to education, the study of movement, skill, health, and the psychology of mind and body. [Reprints, 11 pages, AmSAT Journal, Issues 61-65, 2003-4, $3.00]

The Undivided Self, Anatomy of the Moving Body, and The Elements of Skill can be purchased through:

www.northatlanticbooks.com

www.randomhouse.com

www.amazon.com

All the items above can be purchased by contacting the Dimon Institute at:

245 West 107th Street, 5H, New York, NY 10025

212-222-1665

dimoninstitute@msn.com