Pumping Iron: The Art and Sport of Bodybuilding

It is no overstatement to attribute to the publication of this book much of the fitness revolution that first began in the 1970s. It lionized the then relatively obscure sport of bodybuilding, and in particular made much notice of the then only marginally known figure of a relatively young Austrian muscle freak with the unlikely name of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The book proved such a trenchant and penetrating look into the shadowy subculture of fitness freaks and muscle-heads that it created a boom in the gym business, which previously existed only in a few locations where the numbers of bodybuilders reached enough of a critical mass to allow such a commercial venture. In fact, as Gaines points out in the narrative, most of the gyms were owned by guys like Joe Gold, who weren't in the gym business to make a profit, and who merely managed to eke out a living, and who rarely made much of a return on their original investment.Of course, this affectionate and knowing look at the life and lifestyles of several serious competitive bodybuilders was so successful that it encouraged the photographer, George Butler, to try to find backing for a film version of the book. And it was a difficult sell, for the movie mavens had little appreciation for the degree of public interest in muscles and muscle men then. Indeed, the movie was never released for wide commercial viewing, but was rather relegated to showings at art cinemas and other venues. Yet the book was a resounding success, and was on the best-selling trade books for months and months.The book can still be found in used bookstores, and is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the history of bodybuilding or the lifestyles of the most famous musclemen of the late 1960s and 1970s. I have several copies, although I lost one in a fire last year. It is a shame it is now out of print, for the book (and the subsequent movie) capture the essence of the exotic little world of competitive bodybuilding as it existed in the days when the sport was marginalized, before it became big business, and before eager young men who want fame and riches got involved for that reason rather than because they just wanted to be bodybuilders. Ah, the good old days! Enjoy!

Had the original. This is a great replacement. Strolling down memory lane :). Product was better than described, shipped very promptly, and packaging was exceptional. Would definitely buy again from this seller.

Great condition, and will be on my coffee table for others to enjoy also

My husband is really into Bodybuilding and he had been looking for this book as he had lost his copy from back in his teen years. I was so glad I was able to find this for him!! He was very happy to receive it!He likes this original book as opposed to the "revised" one.

The images and study of body building culture is really amazing.

I loaned this book out to a friend in the 70's and never got it back. I'm over the moon with this product.

Loved it. A must for any fan of bodybuilding. It would have been awesome to workout with those guys at that time. It's what bodybuilding should be.

they show a picture of arnold signature and the book doesnt have it.book condition excellent