Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice

In this thought-provoking book, Mark Singleton examines the origins and global rise of modern yoga, challenging the common belief that it is rooted in ancient Indian traditions. He argues that contemporary postural yoga, including popular styles like Ashtanga and Bikram, is influenced more by modern Indian nationalism and Western fitness movements than by ancient practices. Drawing from rare archival materials and interviews, Singleton offers a controversial new perspective on how these yoga forms became worldwide phenomena.