The Beginner's Guide to Yoga »

Howard Kent's career has embraced journalism, television, and films. His TV series, which originated in the U.K., was broadcast internationally. He is the author of several previously published books on yoga, and the founder and director of the Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire, England.

This attractive book’s title notwithstanding, The Beginner’s Guide to Yoga can also be used profitably by intermediate practitioners and by those seeking a brush-up yoga course after being away from it for a lengthy period. The author presents illustrated instructions on achieving asanas (positions), and provides charts to help readers measure their progress on a week-by-week basis. He also gives guidelines for making adjustments in diet and lifestyle, which are necessary for the successful practice of yoga. Central to this book is a description of the full range of asanas, starting with positions for the beginner and progressing through intermediate to advanced stages. The author also discusses meditation, stressing that yoga without meditation is not really yoga. His final chapters touch on the philosophy of yoga in daily life and yoga’s ultimate purpose, which is to lead its practitioner toward transcendence and unity with the cosmic consciousness. More than 150 color photos.

Claire Rosser - KLIATT

This is a beautifully designed book, showing various positions clearly and describing the history and practice of yoga. It is hard to imagine a beginner just getting this book and starting to practice yoga daily by looking at the pictures; almost surely, a beginner should start with a teacher and a class. At that point, however, this book could be helpful. With some familiarity with yoga by observing and copying the movements of a teacher, a beginner could then use this book to understand the principles of yoga, meditation, and specific positions more thoroughly, and to refer to the illustrations when attempting yoga alone. KLIATT Codes: JSA-Recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2003, Barron's, 96p. illus. index., Ages 12 to adult.