The Complete Reprint of Physique Pictorial: 1951-1990

Rating:
Summary: I read the articles too!
Review: "Physique Pictorial" spanned the entire era of the "physical culture" magazine boom. The magazine, and the era ended soon after the death of its' editor Bob Mizer in 1993. There is not much to say about the pictures that other reviewers haven't said already. (Although it is sad to see the models metamorphose from clean cut, boys-next-door to dull-eyed, druggie/hustler types as the 1970's wore on.)

What really amazed me was the hard-hitting commentary by Mizer in issue after issue. A genuine libertarian, the intense public opprobrium towards homosexuals (the word "gay" wasn't yet in wide use) fazed him not at all. He insisted on his rights as an American citizen and insisted his readers do the same. His eloquent arguments against censorship carried the day in several court cases where various bluenoses sought to ban distribution of his magazine. He frequently had to contend with anthropoids from the LAPD vice squad who did everything possible to make things difficult for him. I marvel at the guys' self-possesion and courage. Mixed in with the commentary are mordant and amusing photo captions regarding some of the models. Mr. Mizer was nobody's fool.

For those who can afford it, this is a marvelous historical document as well as a fun read. More proof that the gay community of today didn't just pop out of nowhere in 1969.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderfully designed set of vintage gay ameicana
Review: I found the "Complete Reprint of Physique Pictorial 1951-1990" to be not only a wonderful home accessory (due to the fabulous pink and Tom of Finland illustrated cover) but also an invaluable reference set into the (oft times closeted) lives of American gay men in the post WWII era. Although there isn't much in the way of text, the text that is presented runs the full gamut from campy snipes at the lives of certain models to heart felt discussions of overcoming censorship in those years when being an openly gay publication in the United States simply wasn't an option; when lives and magazines were lived and created in "the closet". Contrary to other posted opinions, I didn't find the type too small to read; and wish to further emphasize that "Physique Pictorial" was originally printed in the same format. All in all, Taschen has created a wonderfully designed hard cover set that in itself speaks volumes of the tastes of gay men. My advice? A beautiful hardcover set that no self repecting vintage beefcake collector should be without.

Rating:
Summary: an experience of art combined with fun and erotica, splendid
Review: I loved the Physique Pictorial for its great content which has lifted it to true erotic art. This Taschen book is one of many in this and many diverse other categories that has proven time and again that these books are a great contribution to culture in modern days, even if they go back in time.

Rating:
Summary: This was totally terrible. I had to return it.
Review: I was hoping to read the articles and look at the photos and artwork. The format was so bad that you needed a magnifying glass just to read it. They took the original magizine and shrunk the page down to about 6.5" x 8.5". I would not recommend this reprint.

Rating:
Summary: just to have it
Review: Taschen does a wonderful job of making available work that's likely to appeal to only a small audience; they do it well. This is no exception. Even if you only go through it all once, anyone interested in the male body should own this reprint. It's an important artifact of our cultural history, a milestone in the evolution of the man as an object of desire. And the pictures are hot, too.

Yes, the size is somewhat reduced from the originals and the second-generation images and type are that much harder to read. But this set spans almost four decades in the development of the male erotic image. Compromises are necessary and the finished product is very much worth owning.

Rating:
Summary: CRUCIAL PIECE OF GAY HISTORY
Review: The person who complained about the small print doens't realize that the original copies of this magazine WERE about 8.5 x 6.5--it was digest sized. This 3-volume compendium actually reprints EVERY issue of this magazine, the first overtly homoerotic of the "bodybuilding" magazines published almost exclusively for gay men, and spurring gay male magazines into (increasingly explicit) existence. The only bad thing is that all the art work on the packaging is Tom Of Finland-type illustrations, which don't relect the contents.

Rating:
Summary: A valuable source for lovers of vintage physique photos
Review: This is a treasure trove for lovers of vintage physique photos. I agree with the other reviewer that the size could be bigger, but the editors have had to include an enormous amount of material. I don't find it unreadable (even without a magnifying glass) and the photos are presented clearly. My only regret is that I bought it from another company! I could have saved a lot by checking Amazon's price first. I have learned my lesson.

Rating:
Summary: unusual collector's item
Review: Very stylishly packaged reprint, but the magazine's primary purpose was the sale of physique photo sets, and as such there isn't much in the way of editorial. Chiefly of historical and nostalgic interest, although leafing through it I was amused to chart the progress of one Richard du Bois, former Mr America and later minister of the cloth; a cute capsule history.

Rating:
Summary: A good reference archive
Review: While issues of "Physique Pictorial" can still be found in vintage stores and online auctions, it would be a monumental (if not impossible) task to collect ALL issues from 1951 to 1990. Keep that in mind as being the real value of "The Complete Reprint of Physique Pictorial." Sadly, however, publisher Tashen had to make compromises in order to keep the 2600-page, three-volume set affordable. As mentioned by other reviewers, the original magazine size of 5.25" x 8.5" was reduced about 88% to an image size of 4.5" x 7.5". Much of the text was very small originally, so it becomes even more difficult to read. More disappointing is the picture quality. While the original magazines were also printed on uncoated paper, the quality of the photos degrades quite a bit in this reprint. The contrast is higher with a noticeable loss of detail in shadow areas giving them a "muddy" appearance. At times, they resemble only fair photocopies when compared to the originals. Light-colored photos and those without heavy shadows fare much better as does much of the artwork. The drawings of Tom of Finland, Harry Bush, and Art-Bob are almost identical, however those of Quaintance again suffer from being too dark and muddy-looking. If you are a fan of the genre, this is an invaluable addition to your collection (at a truly remarkable price). However, if you are looking for quality printing in the vein of books by Tom Bianchi or Bruce Weber, you will be disappointed. "Physique Pictorial" was never known for quality printing, but this reprint pales in comparison to the original. I almost wish Tashen had upped the price a bit in order to improve the quality -- I would have gladly paid more.

Rating:
Summary: A good reference archive
Review: While issues of "Physique Pictorial" can still be found in vintage stores and online auctions, it would be a monumental (if not impossible) task to collect ALL issues from 1951 to 1990. Keep that in mind as being the real value of "The Complete Reprint of Physique Pictorial." Sadly, however, publisher Tashen had to make compromises in order to keep the 2600-page, three-volume set affordable. As mentioned by other reviewers, the original magazine size of 5.25" x 8.5" was reduced about 88% to an image size of 4.5" x 7.5". Much of the text was very small originally, so it becomes even more difficult to read. More disappointing is the picture quality. While the original magazines were also printed on uncoated paper, the quality of the photos degrades quite a bit in this reprint. The contrast is higher with a noticeable loss of detail in shadow areas giving them a "muddy" appearance. At times, they resemble only fair photocopies when compared to the originals. Light-colored photos and those without heavy shadows fare much better as does much of the artwork. The drawings of Tom of Finland, Harry Bush, and Art-Bob are almost identical, however those of Quaintance again suffer from being too dark and muddy-looking. If you are a fan of the genre, this is an invaluable addition to your collection (at a truly remarkable price). However, if you are looking for quality printing in the vein of books by Tom Bianchi or Bruce Weber, you will be disappointed. "Physique Pictorial" was never known for quality printing, but this reprint pales in comparison to the original. I almost wish Tashen had upped the price a bit in order to improve the quality -- I would have gladly paid more.