Beefcake: 100% Rare, All-Natural

I've began collecting reproductions of male erotica and physique photography re-issued as these kinds of coffee-table art books for the last few years and recently ordered "Beefcake" to add to the collection. It's one of the better examples of this genre and trend. The material qualities of books of this type vary considerably in terms of the paper on which images are printed, the crispness and clarity of the pictures, the layout of the pictures, e.g. whether you get many full-page pictures or several reproduced on the same page, the bindings and other aspects of the books (hard-cover vs. paperback), and much else. "Beefcake" gets high marks on all these points. It's the kind of well-made book on high quality paper that will last a lifetime and beyond if properly handled. The pictures chosen by the editor are among the better examples of physique photography I've come across. The layouts, mostly full-page images, due justice to the beauty of the models and the aesthetic vision of the photographers. "Beefcake" is an especially good introduction to vintage physique photography to newcomers to the genre or anyone that might want just one good book of this type. It reproduces work from among the best-know photographers such as Lon of New York and Bruce of Los Angles, but also less-know ones like Karoll of Havana. Similarly, there are models like Larry Scott who were champion body-builders when they posed for images here as well as any number of young men whose virility and beauty would be lost to history had it not been captured in these pictures. "Beefcake" also introduces readers to the variations within the genre of physique photography from the classicism of its early decades (my particular favorite) to the pop-culture inspired sexy kitch of the 1970s. The editor's introduction to the photographers and these sub-genres, and the historical evolution that produced them, is likewise interesting and informative. This is an excellent example of this trend of reviving an art-form that was nearly destroyed by legal persecution and reactionary social values, and a great introduction to it for those who might want to check it out for the first time.

A terrific collection of vintage male erotica culled from "physique" magazines, mainly from the 1960's before the onslaught of "anything goes" nude photography. To those who grew up during this era where access to all-male pictures was limited to muscle mags and the like, this will be a real blast from the past and a nostalgic trip back to more "innocent" but also repressed days. Petra Mason has assembled some 200 photos, mostly full page, many in color and a very representative selection from the famous all-male studios of the day including Bruce of Los Angeles, Lon of New York, KRIS, Champion, Vulcan, Les Demi Dieux, Douglas of Detroit and Western Photography Guild. This very handsome, sturdy publication has been broken up into nine sections to emphasize a certain style. For example: "Beefcake" and "Figure Studies" mainly feature muscle guys such as Steve Reeves and Larry Scott, whereas "Swords and Sandals". "Cowboys and Indians" and "Duals in the Sun" tend to display the more whimsical storytelling/fantasy images of the particular studio. Nothing too risqué here. Remember these were the days before erections and sex scenes became the norm. But there are plenty of awesome men displaying their wares in a wide variety of full frontal poses, ass shots and the favourite prop of the day, the posing pouch. The closest to interaction between the models are some quaint wrestling exhibitions and dual physique poses. There have been a host of historical physique books in recent years, many concentrating on a single studio. Even if you have these, I would still recommend this beautifully put together volume to be added to your collection.

If you admire the male body and its "vintage" version from the late 40's through the 60's then this book is a must have for you coffee book collection!

Great pictures. Very enjoyable.

Great book to look how male photography took place in the early years. A wonderful way to create vintage looks today

My favorite coffee table book

Wow! excellent purchase I'm very Satisfied with the purchase and the service.

Was initially excited about this title. Had heard about it in advance as the author was performing her research. However, I question just how much research the author actually performed. The information in this book is marginal, and there is nothing of any real importance. There are certainly no new or valuable insights. In a couple of instances it appears the author did not have full permission to discuss certain photographers. References are vague and lack depth. Comparatively speaking, there are far more valuable and interesting titles on the subject including Brooklyn Boys and several of Reed Massengil's books. Overall, a disappointment. Perhaps a good reference for someone new to the genre, but there are much better titles available.

Im very like this book. Very much photos inside.

Very good book