Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy integrates Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali as an organic whole, presenting them as two sides of the one coin. It also demonstrates how the eight limbs are practised within the Ashtanga Vinyasa system.
An extensive explanation of the fundamental techniques of breath, bandhas and drishti is followed by a detailed and comprehensive study of each posture of the Primary Series, following the traditional vinyasa count, complemented by clear and informative anatomical illustrations and descriptions. Additional information on the mythological background and yogic context of specific postures enhances and brings further insight to the practice. Practical tips are also offered.
In a discussion of the history of yoga, Gregor Maehle shows how the five-stage unfoldment of mind described in the Yoga Sutra was the key factor in the development of human society during the last five millennia.
In a final section of the book, a lively, authentic and practical rendering of the Yoga Sutra, for which the major ancient commentaries have been consulted, lucidly describes the entire path of Ashtanga Yoga and presents it as a realistic path for modern practitioners.

The Practice Manual By David Swenson: the most user-friendly yoga book available! It contains the entire Primary and Intermediate series of Ashtanga Yoga with three options for every asana. It is spiral bound to easily remain open while practicing. It contains over 650 photos with clear instructions and commentary. It is a great book for all levels of practitioners to enjoy and teachers will find it to be an invaluable tool for teaching their students.

Astanga Yoga As It Is by Matthew Sweeney is much in demand, since it is the only resource that fully details the primary, intermediate and advanced A & B series of Astanga Yoga. In the text portion of the book the type is small and the information dense. In Matthew's clear, precise and matter of fact style he covers important aspects of pranayama, the role of warming up, details on core postures and traditional and novel ways to approach the practice. There are nearly 2000 photographs in the posture sequences of traditional Astanga Vinyasa Yoga on durable heavy weight stock for years of reference and enjoyment. It is sized to fit at the head of your mat in a coiled binding so the pages open flat for easy visibility and reference. Matthew's description follows: Astanga Yoga As It Is - A comprehensive guide to the first four sequences of Ashtanga Yoga: Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A and Advanced B as taught by Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois. The book details relevant techniques on breathing, asana, bandha and drishti. It offers insight into the practical application of Yoga philosophy with information on the chakra, granthi, nadi and the Yoga sutras of Patanjali. The photographic section includes the asana for each sequence plus all of the variations for the movements and breaths between each posture. This is a one of a kind map to the traditional vinyasa method. Astanga Yoga As It Is provides an exploration of both the physical and mental aspects of the practice. It aims to shed light on some core yoga concepts and relevant self development principles. However, this book is not a "how to do it" manual. It does cover the main points of the tradition including many of the unspoken conditions that dominate the Mysore-method. As It Is aims to promote a questioning attitude to the practice, to examine and integrate its many qualities. As the physical practice evolves there should be a natural and healthy interest in the mental and emotional processes that go with it.