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Uncovered: Rare Vintage Male Nudes

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Reed Massengill continues to gather images and historical data that enhance his own very fine books of photography of the male nude. In UNCOVERED: RARE VINTAGE MALE NUDES he has gathered the works by ten brave men who had the courage to create images of the nude male before the censorship by the publishing firms changed following the 1969 Stonewall turnaround. While some of the photographers included in this monograph are well known and bridged that hiatus separating forbidden and completely accepted work, there are also 'new faces' whose work demands attention.

The 'uncovered male nudes' in this collection are often only partially revealed, as in the photographs by George Platt Lynes (1907 - 1955): positioning and shadows protect the eye form the full model image. Don Whitman (1916 - 1998) worked with body builders and carefully used the 'posing strap' to prevent viewer disdain. Likewise Al Urban (1917 - 1992) and Earle Forbes (1897 - 1970) focused on the posing Greek ideal for their Physique Images.

But with Plato (1925 - 2003) and John Shreeve Barrington (1920 - 1991) the element of eroticism in the art of male nude photography opened some doors: models were captured more in the privacy of the wild then in the studio and the freedom of posing choices expanded, but still with a sense of restraint. The images of Antonio Arabia (1931 - 1993) are more natural (models in the woodlands) and in many ways more erotic, and the images by Vulcan (b. 1921) and Robert Galster (1923 - 1991) invite the viewer to become involved in the scenario. Many of these images have never been published and Massengill provides a welcome bridge between the art of the male nude as popularized by the many practitioners of excellence today.

This is an important volume and one that will find a larger audience than many other books on the male nude: the images are less threatening to the viewer than the subsequent work of say Mapplethorpe et al. Massengill introduces each of the featured photographers with a brief but historically and artistically significant essay on both the artist and the particular constraints that surrounded the art of each. Grady Harp, May 09

I really like this book. It has large photos of beautiful guys, generally full on exposure. Some of the poses are definitely period driven but some of them are outside. Over all the guys just look very good (not super models by today's standards) and are the types of guys you're much more likely to come across in a real world situation. Plus they're not manscaped, thankfully!

Reed Massengill has scored another triumph in "Uncovered: Rare Vintage Male Nudes" Not only does he show us little known works by artists we are familiar with, he introduces us to several artists that many of us may not have heard of - or if heard of, not have seen any work before this. The work is beautiful, often lyrical, and Mr. Massengill's introduction to each artist and his work helps us understand how and under what circumstances these photographers labored. Anyone who collects photographs of the male image will find this indispensable. Anyone who admires the male form will find it a pleasure to add to their collection of books.

When I first picked up this book at the bookstore I knew I had to buy it. I am an artistic photography with male nudity as my specialty. Looking through these photos I am drawn to every aspect of each photograph. They are artistically beautiful and they truly inspire me in my own work. Some portraits are older than the 50's and they are still timeless. The only word I can use to describe this book is amazing. For anyone who enjoys male nudity and art- this book is definitely a good buy. On amazon it's at a good price!!! When I bought it at the store it was almost 50 dollars, I should of waited the I loved the book so much that I just couldn't. So if you're already thinking about buying this book go ahead. It'll be a purchase that you can treasure for a lifetime.

If you remember those "Physique" magazines of the 1950's -- and even if you don't -- you will relish these pre-Stonewall nudes. Beautifully put together, this book of daring photos recalls a bygone era when the male nude was suppressed. The hunky models are photographed in a variety of settings -- everything from rugged outdoor shots to dramatic studio portraits. In retrospect, some of the picture are amusing while others are classical.

Here is a collection of over 100 vintage picture by 10 photographers that will delight both old and new generations. Any connoisseur of the male nude will love this book!

No problems at all with the vendor...Unfortunately, the advertising was misleading and the best picture is probably the one on the cover...

The book includes rich nude male imagery from varying photographers in their time. Since my own time includes the work of some of these photographers, I especially identify with the images. It is a projection of personal identity as well as the aesthetic appreciation of naked male beauty.