Dexterity and Its Development

by Nicholai A. Bernstein, Mark L. Latash (Editor), Michael T. Turvey (Editor)

This is a very unusual book. It brings to the English speaking reader a masterpiece written some 50 years ago by one of the greatest minds of the 20th century--Nicholai Aleksandrovich Bernstein--considered the founder of many contemporary fields of science such as biomechanics, motor control, and physiology of activity. Divided into two parts, this volume's first section is a translation of the Russian book On Dexterity and Its Development. It presents, in a very reader-friendly style, Bernstein's major ideas related to the development and control of voluntary movements in general, and to the notion of dexterity, in particular. Although very few scientific works remain interesting to the reader 50 years after they were written, this volume--now available for the first time in English--is a rare exception to this rule. His ideas are certainly not obsolete. Actually, we are just starting to grasp the depth and breadth of his thinking, especially his analysis of the complex notion of dexterity. The second section provides both a historical and a contemporary perspective on Bernstein's ideas.

The original work was directed at a wide audience ranging from specialists in biomechanics and motor behavior, to coaches, neurologists, physical therapists, athletes, and even inquisitive college and high school students. The chapters contributed by contemporary scientists mirror Bernstein's style and present new findings in the areas of biomechanics, motor control, and motor development in a way that would be both understandable to non-specialists in these areas, and informative for professionals working in different areas related to human movement. All those interested in the origins and mechanisms of the production of voluntary movements, irrespective of their educational and professional background, will find this book valuable. In addition, the unique history and composition of this text will make it helpful and attractive to historians and philosophers of science.

470 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Colin Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a very good and insightful read. Bernstein’s essays presents his theories in a clear and humorous style with great examples that offer ample food for thought. The following essays by others vary in quality and content. All of them are denser than Bernstein’s, with some going further into the weeds than others.

[Bojan Avramovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drago mi je sto sam procitao knjigu Berstajna koji je uneo revoluciju u ucenje o motornoj kontroli pokreta. Ali sam ocekivao vise: konkretnije, jasnije, primenjivije, krace, konciznije, bolje tumacenje modernih autora u drugom delu knjige

[Feldenkrais Interest]

Zoran's recommended reading SEAUS3 Segment 2

[Chase Aldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense book. Only read the Bernstein part, but it’s way ahead of it’s time and has some of the best explanations of skill and dexterity (of course) that I’ve come across.

[Martí · Rating 5 out of 5]

No review possible. A book written many decades ago… that still, nowadays, it is far ahead of our time!!! Just read it.
MAMMA MIA NIKOLAI!!! 😍😍😍 Thank you!!!

[Dave Armishaw]

Without doubt on of the most important books with regards to the research community working from correct assumptions by abandoning Pavlov ' s salivating dogs, as Bernstein did so many years ago. I am not among researchers in motor theory but I do care about how skilled trades are regarded. As I understand his work , Bernstein chose purposeful action, as opposed to repetitive athletic action, especially when accompanied by continuous variance leading to his word, dexterity.

For this unusual book which came to us all by unusual means and the good work of two men who had connection to him, we owe greater understanding regarding how advanced manual skills develop along side cognitive skills. In fact, since the book has been brought back into publication, our understanding of brain function with particular emphasis on the cerebellum as its varied links and circuits that prove important to not only fine motor skills as once thought but equally to higher order cognitive skills, Bernstein' s work is more important than ever.

A must read for those wanting to understand motor skills.

[Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. A must for anyone interested in the intersect of motor control, cognition , and evolution.