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Title: Sandow the Magnificent: Eugen Sandow and the Beginnings of Bodybuilding (Sport and Society) by David L. Chapman ISBN: 0-252-02033-2 Publisher: University of Illinois Press Pub. Date: 01 April, 1994 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $27.50 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (3 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Fascinating Book on the Father of Bodybuilding
Comment: At a time when the chemically-enhanced monsters of today are putting professional bodybuilding back in the freakshow arena and ensuring it remains the minority sport it has always been, it is interesting to read about its 19th century music hall/variety show beginnings in the strong man act. Sandow was the most famous and celebrated strongman of them all and his story in this book is a fascinating and entertaining read. The depth of research and wealth of interesting characters and anecdotes make this book a must have for anyone interested in physical culture and the history of bodybuilding. The petty politics, scams, and dubious business deals among the strong men and health club owners of the late 19th/early 20th century have never left the sport. Sandow, while seemingly being a genuine advocate of bodybuilding for health reasons, comes across as the master of self-promotion.
His position as the father of the sport is assured, not least by the fact that the Weider Organisation/IFBB call their Mr Olympia trophy (the highest honour in todays bodybuilding world) a Sandow. The irony is not lost on this reader.
Rating: 5
Summary: Sandow The Magnificent is well written and enjoyable reading
Comment: Sandow The Magnificent is an excellent biography of an enigmatic showman who came to the forefront of physical culture at the turn of the century. Growing up during the fifties in a household of amateur bodybuilders I was subjected to back issues of Strength and Health magazine and often saw old photos of Sandow. Familiar with the image, but not the person, my interest was piqued when I came upon David Chapman's book. Chapman's approach in telling the story of Sandow sheds light on almost every facet of the strongman's life-the good, bad and kinky. Though some of Sandow's life is apparently somewhat shrouded in mystery, and much is left to conjecture and interpretation, the book is both illuminating and interesting. Sandow The Magnificent is well written, enjoyable reading and gets quickly into the depths of Sandow. Unlike many biographies that extensively probe the lineage and childhood of the subject, something I personally find tedious, Chapman gets right to the man behind the fascinating black & white images. Now when I see a photo of Sandow there is more understanding of what was behind the rugged facade of muscle and strength.
Rating: 5
Summary: Sandow, a magnificent biography of an unusual Victorian
Comment:
David Chapman's biogaphy of the "Great Sandow" is more than just the story of the first muscle and physique star of modern times. As a boy, Sandow visited Italy and became impressed with the marble statues of the muscular heros of Ancient Rome. His logic dictated that he would become a living work of art and later, as a mature muscle man, displayed his physique as the sculptures were viewed in art museums.
Chapman is the first author I have read who strips away the prejudice of those who would say he was a simple sideshow performer who displayed himself as an egotist. Chapman clearly dispells myth, both good and negative to draw us near to the man and his thoughts, his fears and ultimately, his triumph in defining who and what he was...the father of modern bodybuilding.
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Title: Strongman: Vintage Photos of a Masculine Icon by Robert Mainardi, Jules Bacon ISBN: 1571781013 Publisher: Council Oak Books Pub. Date: 01 May, 2001 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Strength and How to Obtain It: With Anatomical Chart, Illustrating Exercises for Physical Development by Eugen Sandow ISBN: 1410101746 Publisher: Fredonia Books (NL) Pub. Date: 01 December, 2002 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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