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A thorough introduction to yoga, 13 February, 2002
A reader from Cheshire, England

This must be the best book on Yoga currently available., 23 March, 2001
A reader from Sheffield, England
BKS Iyengar's light continues to shine brightly with this beautifully produced and highly useful book. It has a number of sections, starting with a lucid account of the principal benefits of Yoga practice and a brief summary of Yoga philosophy. This is followed by lavishly illustrated descriptions of a selection of classic poses. The two subsequent sections are probably the main attraction of this book for teachers, with extended sections on Yoga for stress and a 150-page section illustrating particular sequences for particular ailments. The final chapter suggests a somewhat ambitious 20 week Yoga course. The book concludes with a better-than-usual index.

This book is far more user-friendly than 'Light on Yoga', and it is very comprehensively illustrated. In line with the recent emphasis evident in the Iyengars' teaching, the stress is on correct performance of the basic poses. This is not a book for those wanting to do impressive-looking advanced poses; however, it will promote safe and correct practice and is useful for those interested in any form of Yoga. The chapter of classic poses is limited to a selection of only 23 asanas (the subsequent chapters include more, shown with the use of props). Throughout the book, the standard of illustration is exceptional; the 'Classic Poses' section shows how to get in the pose (with boxes listing benefits and cautions) and this is followed by double page spreads showing the full asana pictured from eight different angles. The reference section has some detailed anatomical drawing, although it is intruiging to note that the heart is not included in the internal organs.

There is a wealth of detail in this book, which is a gift to practitioners and which draws deeply from the tremendous teaching experience of the Iyengars (a rather benign image of BKS himself crops up throughout the pages, but it has to be said that he looks startlingly ferocious demonstating Tadasana). Teachers will want this book, and will find plenty in it to quote to their students, but there is nothing here which will look too intimidating to beginners. This is a book which will be used a lot, so despite its high price, it is well worth having in hardback.

A viewer from Pittsburgh, PA , 23 October, 1998

Lewis Mehl-Madrona, M,D, Ph.D. Medical Director Center for Complementary Medicine University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

A viewer from Fort Hood, Texas , 11 September, 1998
A must read for those who interact/instruct pregnant women!
I am a physical therapist who has used this book as a basis for my "Prenatal exercise and Body Mechanics" Class. I have recommended it to my patients and to other professionals who teach prenatal classes. The author adds a unique perspective by inviting women to "think outside of the box" and take responsibility for their bodies before, during and after their pregnancy. The partner exercises are very well received by my patients (our hospital averages 300 births per month). I am also the mother of 21 month old triplets and I used the book as a personal reference and guide throughout my pregnancy. The book helped me to understand and appreciate just how fortunate we are as women to be able to bear children. The author's detailed description about the pelvic floor and the emphasis on the importance of the exercises is information that should be shared with young women BEFORE their pregnancy. I have been surprised by the number of my patients who have never heard of Kegel exercises or who have no idea they have a pelvic floor! A great book to pass along to all women!

A viewer from Los Angeles, California , 22 August, 1998
Wish I had found this book sooner!
I found this book 9 weeks after giving birth because I needed the chapter on Cesarean recovery. That chapter alone was worth the cost of the book. However, I also found interesting information in the pregnancy chapters as well. I like the way the author explains WHY each exercise is beneficial.