The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga
New York: Bell Publishing Company, Inc., 1960. 1st Edition. Large octavo, publisher's acqua cloth, spine gilt, upper board blindstamped, original photo-illustrated dust jacket.
First edition of Swami Vishnudevananda’s bestselling introduction to Hatha yoga. An Indian guru, Vishnudevananda is considered one of the great yoga masters of the 20th century and famously introduced the practice to the Beatles. Produced after he moved to the US in the late 1950s, this reference work is one of the first resources on the spiritual discipline, instrumental in the popularization of yoga in the west. Comprises step-by-step instructions for asanas and breathing exercises, information on concentration, meditation, and diet, and the basic tenets of the Hatha philosophy, featuring black-and-white photos of Vishnudevananda himself in the poses; with an introduction by comparative religion scholar and holistic health proponent Marcus Bach, and training tables, list of asanas, glossary, and bibliography. Dust jacket designed by American dancer, choreographer, and artist Remy Charlip. Minor fingersoiling to textblock; unclipped dust jacket with some wear to spine-ends, and light rubbing and edgewear. Very good. Item #11850
$150.00