The Kings of Strength: A History of All Strong Men from Ancient Times to Our Own (Studies in Strength and Physical Culture) - Softcover

Desbonnet, Edmond

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1476687242 ISBN 13: 9781476687247

Publisher: McFarland, 2022

Synopsis

More than a century ago, the barrel-chested strongman clad in leopard skins, Roman sandals and carrying an oversized barbell was a common performer in fairs, circuses and vaudeville theaters. In 1911, before this phenomenon had disappeared, French gym owner, journalist and athlete Edmond Desbonnet published a colorful history of these mighty performers. Since he knew and interviewed many of these men (and women), Desbonnet was able to put a human face on the strongmen and strongwomen who made their livings by performing spectacular strength stunts for the entertainment of the public. Among these were super-strong athlete Louis Uni, known as Apollon; Eugen Sandow, the mighty Adonis of the stage; the great strongwoman Kati Sandwina Brumbach and many others who entertained audiences by lifting barbells, automobiles, horses and even elephants. Now translated to English and extensively annotated, The Kings of Strength records and preserves the biographies of more than 200 strength performers and bodybuilders from ancient times up to the early 1900s. The book provides a vital contribution to both theatrical and athletic history, while exploring the universal fascination with strength and muscular physiques.

About this title

About the Author

David L. Chapman, a Seattle-based independent scholar, has written many books and articles on physique photography, sport history, gender studies, film and popular culture. He worked on the translation of Edmond Desbonnet's massive French history for more than three decades.

Edition details

• Publisher: McFarland
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1476687242
• ISBN 13: 9781476687247
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 470