Brett Josef Grubisic

David L. Chapman

A fascinating collection of images, many in full-colour, depsicting the muscular American male as seen in movies, advertisements, magazines and product labels between 1860 to 1970. The introduction by Chapman offers insightful detail on individual images, while the essay by Grubisic places the work in its historical context. Includes male physique photography, movie posters, vintage advertisements and subjects such as Marlon Brando and Eugen Sandow. All the material is sourced from Chapman's personal archive.

The Muscular Male Body in Popular Culture, 1860-1970

American Hunks

John D. Fair

John Fair and David Chapman tell the story of how film-makers use and manipulate the appearance and performances of muscular men and women to enhance the appeal of their productions. The authors show how this practice, deeply rooted in western epistemological traditions, evolved from the art of photography through magic lantern and stage shows into the motion picture industry, arguing that the sight of muscles in action induced a higher degree of viewer entertainment. From Eugen Sandow to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, muscular actors appear capable of performing the miraculous, and with the aid of stuntmen and filming contrivances, they do. By such means, muscles are used to perfect the art of illusion, inherent in movie-making from its earliest days.

Perfecting the Art of Illusion

Muscles in the Movies

Looks at the life and career of the man who invented the business of bodybuilding, from his days in a European circus to his performances in Amsterdam and continual self-publicity that made him famous

David L. Chapman

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