The Super Athletes-A Record Of The Limits Of Human Strength, Speed And Stamina.

By: David P. Willoughby

     This book is the centerpiece of many book collections on strength.  Beyond strongmen, the book also includes gymnastics, boxing, wrestling, circus acrobats, and much more. 

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The Key to Might and Muscle

By: George F. Jowett

    This very rare book can be found new from Bill Hinbern (see links page) but if you have deep enough pockets for the original there are usually a few available at Abebooks.  294 pages, with many illustrations. Milo Publishing Company (1926). 

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Developing Grip Strength

By David Gentle and David Webster

    A very rare book indeed. I was lucky to find a beat up copy at a used book sale.  Covers basic grip strength from wrist and hand work and even a little nail bending.  Many rare pictures in the book that I've never seen anywhere else, including a picture of John Davis pinching two 35-pound plates and various pictures of Strongmen and Women bending nails and bars.

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"Molding" series 

By: George F. Jowett

    There are various books in this series published in the 1930's.  As of this writing in December 2003, Abebooks has:

-Molding a Mighty Grip 
-Molding a Mighty Arm 
-Molding a Mighty Chest 
-Molding a Mighty Back 
-Molding Mighty Legs

View Current Selections from the "Molding" series at Abebooks

Books by Thomas Inch

   The great grip master who brought the world the Thomas Inch dumbbell also wrote many books and guides.  Currently, "Developing the Grip and Forearm" is not available, but it may pop up from time to time. 

-Spalding's Book on Boxing and Physical Culture
-Thomas Inch on Strength
-Inch on Fitness

View Current Selections of Thomas Inch's books at Abebooks

The Mighty Atom- The Life and Times of Joseph L. Greenstein 

by Ed Spielman

   The original hardcover edition of this book (1979, Viking) is often available on Abebooks.

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Books by  Earle Liederman 

     Earle Liederman is probably my favorite author among the old timers. Many of the photographs in the Gallery of Ironmen are from his books.  I own "Secrets of Strength" and "Muscle Building" and they are excellent as well as printed in very high quality for the day (circa 1926).  For wrestling fans, I have also seen a copy of Liederman's "The Science of Wrestling and The Art of Jiu-Jitsu" and it has the same high standards as the others.

  See current used books by Earle Liederman at Abebooks 

Books by George Hackenschmidt

  Various books are available by "Hack".  Current selections at Abe books (in Dec. 2003) are:

-The Way to Live: Health and Physical Fitness
-Complete Science of Wrestling

View Current Selections from "Hack" at Abebooks

Books by Alan Calvert

      Alan Calvert was the publisher of "Strength Magazine and owner of Milo barbell company, which was eventually purchased by York Barbell.   These two great classics of weightlifting and strength are usually available from Abebooks:   

-Super Strength 
-The Truth About Weight Lifting 

View Current Selections by Alan Calvert at Abebooks

The Production of Muscular Bulk

By: Michael Salvati

    I own a copy of this book and it is recommended.  I'll write a brief review in a week or two, but the current copy at Abebooks seems a bit steep too me at $150  :)
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Yours in Perfect Manhood 

By Charles Atlas

   I know there are many Charles Atlas fans still out there.  Learn from the chief proponent of dynamic tension/self resistance.

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Books by Vic Boff

    Vic was the founder and President of the Association of Oldtime Barbell and Strongmen (AOBS) and a great collector of Iron game books as well as author.  Here is a selection of some of the books he wrote:

-Exercises For Busy People
-You Can be Physically Perfect, Powerfully Strong: Program of Progressive Exercise
-Body Builder's Bible for Men and Women

All By Vic Boff

Search for all books by Vic Boff at Abebooks:

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