The mysterious Alexander Technique--no one seems to know what it is or how to describe it! In the last several months, however, I've had at least 3 friends say I should 'check it out'. None of them actually practice the technique nor knew anymore than I did, but seemed to think it would be just the ticket for my sore back. Of course, I'm from Missouri; if you can't tell me what it is, it must be a con. The web was no better--all the websites devoted to it are obscure, to put it politely. So, I took the plunge and looked for a good old fashioned book, but not one that purported to teach the technique (as everything I'd read said that's the one thing a book can't do . . .) but one that would just please tell me what the heck was going on. Michael Gelb's book does just that--it is an illuminating look at a 'way of life' and 'system of unlearning' developed by Mr Alexander many decades ago. The book talks about how and why Alexander developed his 'technique', discusses what the technique is not, the basic principles behind the technique, how it can be applied in everyday life, and what it takes to learn it. It pulls no punches, yet gently and patiently takes the reader down the path that Mr. Gelb took whilst learning (and then teaching) the technique. And it leaves you with no illusions as to the technique being a 'quick' or inexpensive fix. Having said all that, I now know that the Alexander Technique is indeed just the thing I've been looking for, and for a much wider variety of reasons than my sore back. I'm registered with a qualified teacher and begin my process of 'unlearning' next week. Can't wait!