Book 1: Boleslavsky's Acting: The First Six Lessons. Introduction

Book 1:  Boleslavsky's Acting: The First Six Lessons.
Published 1933, 1949, 2003 by Routledge

Indeed, there are SIX lessons.

Lesson 1:  Concentration
Lesson 2:  Memory of Emotion
Lesson 3:  Dramatic Action
Lesson 4:  Characterization
Lesson 5:  Observation
Lesson 6:  Rhythm

Introduction by Edith J. R. Isaacs:
Reading the introduction leaves me with putting Way of The Lancer onto my reading list as this was the book that brought Boleslavsky, the author, "immediate literary acclaim" and the book is described as "a work of genius, the best human document of the events preceding the Russian Revolution, a masterly narrative biography, a new writing of history."  Way of The Lancer is described as a work of art, not from a playwright or a storyteller or a dramatist's mind but from, an ACTOR'S mind.

Here, in this introduction, it plainly creates a sense that most people have "tried" to interpret acting.  The main concern here is how do you help an actor learn the elements of his/her craft?  After all, Boleslavsky stated:

"The actor's art cannot be taught.  He must be born with ability; but the technique, through which his talent can find expression--that can and must be taught.  An appreciation of this fact is of the utmost importance, not only to students of acting but to every actor who is interested in the perfection of his art.  For, after all, technique is something which is perfectly realistic and quite possible to make one's own."

"An actor cannot be made between luncheon and dinner.  He accepts the fact that the profession may take a lifetime of work and that it is a profession well worth the work of a lifetime." -Isaacs

Impression:
I have just only hit the surface.  I haven't even begun.  Thank goodness for this book to open my mind and soul and spirit to something way bigger and expansive than myself.  Essentially, this introduction boldly introduces what is acting?  I'm on a ride to find out.  I have a clue and I have some great definitions and have had extensive classes but never has someone brought forth the question, what is acting?  We all know when we see bad acting but what IS acting truly, not just the dictionary's definition?  And once that question is answered, how do you perfect your craft? How do you become better?  How do you perfect your art?  How do you even attempt to say you know something about this?  Ok ok ok, one strep at a time.  I've now, only just begun.

Taking this adventure to find out.