Customer Reviews

The Complete Reprint of Physique Pictorial: 1951-1990 (3 Volume Set)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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-possession 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.

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.

A HUGE disappointment. The meager size of this triple book collection is too small to do any justice to the photographs within. In addition, many of the pages feature multiple photographs so tightly produced together they are pracitically impossible to see. The quality of the reproduced photography is substandard and in many cases so dark they lose much of the detail. The actual pages themselves are also of poor quality and appear to be on recycled non-gloss paper. The text itself is so incredibly small it is vertually impossilbe to read without a magnifing glass and the print on some of the photographs is not readable at all. I was hoping for an explaination of the symbols used on many of the pictures. If it is there I could not find it. It is a true shame and disgrace that these magnificent vintage physique models and the creative photographers that produced these classic images are wasted in this publication. These treasured glimpes back at physique male modeling on the verge of change and at the dawning of a new beginning in its infancy should be restored and reproduced in their original radiant,breathtaking, dramatic splendor and not jammed crammed into inferior books which obviously took no pride in either the models appearance or the genius of each photographer. Any true collector of vintage pictorial physique models will be dissatisfied and regret this book purchase. I know I did.

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.

This reproduction is just about the same size as the original little magazines. I liked it because I knew some of the guys that were models. I visited AMG for movie night several times in the 1970s. The writing of Bob Mizer is crucial to understand how the whole operation worked. It was built on the hopes and dreams of young men's desire to be movie stars. Of course it was Bob's goal to get their clothes off and take their photo.....!

The whole operation was a sleazy scam.....cotton candy gay Hollywood. At least Bob gave his customers exactly what they wanted and lots of it.

For those people who either collect old physique pictoral, or appreciate good balck & white photography...this is a good find. It arrived quickly & in good condition. Thanks.