Classic Texts

Todd’s Classic Texts

Mabel Todd’s The Thinking Body (1937) still stands today as the landmark study of posture and movement that established many of the founding principles of somatic movement education.  The book sets forth the human “psycho-physical mechanism involved in the organic reaction to the problem of resisting gravity in the upright position.” For The Hidden You (1953), Todd expanded several themes introduced in The Thinking Body and suggested that her principles for improving body balance would relieve emotional stress and facilitate knowledge of the cosmic order.

General Description

The TBI Media Special Editions of Todd’s Classic Texts have features not seen in other reprints.  The cover art of both books replicates the style of the original book jackets.  The Thinking Body includes a new Preface presenting a brief biography of Mabel Todd.  The Hidden You offers a comprehensive Index to facilitate access to topics of interest.

Since the original editions of Todd’s books became part of the “public domain,” several companies have satisfied the demand for the book by offering a variety of inexpensive reprints.  As part of our educational mission, TBI Media developed meticulous reproductions of Todd’s classic texts using the most advanced publishing methods available.   Modern typesetting techniques resulted in more readable print than text produced with facsimile or photocopy methods, advanced imaging software enhanced the quality of the original anatomical illustrations, and state of the art digital press and bindery services ensure the durability of our products. Thus, the Todd Classic Texts package offers premium versions of Todd’s original writings for serious-minded students of the “work.” The purchase The Hidden You and The Thinking Body together as Todd’s Classic Texts provides a savings of $6 dollars.

About the Author

Mabel Elsworth Todd (1880-1956) developed a system of education in the early 20th century to help students discover improved “postural patterns.”  Her approach was taught privately in Boston and New York as well as in the physical education departments of east coast colleges and universities.  Professional performing artists became interested in Todd’s ideas in the 1930s.   Two of her protégés, Barbara Clark and Lulu Sweigard, advanced the approach among dancers and actors in the mid-twentieth century. Their students continued to develop the teaching in the postmodern era.   Currently, the term “Ideokinesis” is the best-known title for Todd’s educational legacy.

The Thinking Body Product Details
ISBN:  978-1-881914-05-1
Publisher: Thinking Body Institute Media LLC
Publication Date: Original 1937, Special Edition 2021
Product Description: Softcover, 6 x 9
Language: English
Number of pages: 350
Number of illustrations: 91

The Hidden You Product Details
ISBN: 978-1-881914-03-7
Publisher:  Thinking Body Institute Media LLC
Publication Date:  Original 1953, Reprint 2019
Product Description:  Softcover, 6 x 9
Language:  English
Number of pages:  255
Number of illustrations:  3 line drawings
Index: Created in 2019

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