How do people on this forum feel about Abby Whiteside's books on playing the piano etc?
I have no knowledge of her methods and just wondered how well they are rated these days? Any opinions anyone? I understand she didn't think much of Hanon et al.
FGP.

I'm sure she was great teacher. However, before you rush out and buy her book you should take a look at these sample pages and ask youself whether you could bear to read 200 pages in this style.

These reviews make interesting reading. Even a five-star review admits that she doesn't "possess the gift of writing". The lower-star reviews are less kind.

I think it is a shame that the book hasn't been edited (perhaps by someone who has been taught by her, and learned her ideas first-hand). For example margin notes or companion volume might make it more useful to a wider audience.

In the reviews, her ideas are described as both "revolutionary" and "dangerous". I'm staying out of this one but like all of these type of books (whoever writes them) I think you should consider the ideas they present and see if they work for you. Personally, I don't use any of the information from her book that I managed to decipher.

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PS If you're looking for a good book on playing the piano, in my opinion Notes from the Pianist's Bench by Boris Berman is excellent.

I'm replying to this post several years' later, however I feel it important to do so. Abby Whiteside's book, while difficult to understand, is an attempt to communicate complex physical activity which leads to meaningful and beautiful playing. I am a second generation student of hers, having studied with her student, Eunice Nemeth. Abby didn't want to write the book; it was her students' insistence that she do so. Once one actually understands what is meant and possible, it is incredibly satisfying. Playing is easier and actually has a pleasant physical sensation to it, while the sound is breath-taking. I posted a brief introduction video under her name on You Tube if anyone is interested.