Vitality Supreme (Illustrated Edition) (Dodo Press) [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Bernarr Macfadden (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2007

Bernarr Macfadden (1868-1955) was an influential exponent of physical culture, a combination of bodybuilding with nutritional and health theories. He additionally founded the long-running magazine publishing company Macfadden Publications. Macfadden founded Physical Culture magazine in 1899, and later parlayed it into a publishing empire, including True Story, True Romances, and the once-familiar movie magazine Photoplay. Macfadden wrote and contributed to many articles and books including Superb Virility of Manhood (1904), MacFadden's Encyclopedia of Physical Culture (1911-1912), Vitality Supreme (1915), Fasting for Health (1923), and The Milk Diet (1923). Macfadden made an unsuccessful attempt to found a religion, "cosmotarianism", based on physical culture. He claimed that his regimen would enable him to reach the age of 150. Nicknamed "Body Love Macfadden" by Time, he was a flamboyant personality who inspired millions of people around the world to live healthful and vigorous lives. Macfadden popularized the practice of fasting that previously had been associated with illnesses such as anorexia nervosa. He felt strongly that fasting was one of the surest ways to physical health.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

“Force is supreme – the king of all mankind. And it is force that stands back of efficiency, for efficiency, first of all, means power. It comes from power, and power either comes directly from inheritance or it is developed by an intelligent application of the laws that control the culture of the physique.”

“Why not throb with superior vitality! Why not possess the physical energy of a young lion? For then you will compel success. You will stand like a wall if need be, or rush with the force of a charging bison towards the desired achievements. This book sends forth a message of paramount importance to those who need added efficiency. Adherence to the principles laid down herein will add to the characteristics that insure splendid achievements. Make your body splendid, your mind supreme; for then you become your real self, you possess all your attainable powers.” --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Bernarr Macfadden (1868 - 1955), was internationally famous during his lifetime but almost unknown today, called the "Father of Physical Culture," nicknamed "Body Love" Macfadden by Time magazine, was a flamboyant personality, millionaire publisher, and life-long advocate of physical fitness, natural food, outdoor exercise, and the natural treatment of disease. He inspired millions of people around the world to live healthful and vigorous lives. He was branded a "kook" and a charlatan by many, was arrested on obscenity charges, denounced by the medical establishment, and campaigned tirelessly against "pill-pushers," processed foods, and prudery. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Dodo Press (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1406529729
• ISBN-13: 978-1406529722
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,849,028 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Father Of Physical Culture, July 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Vitality Supreme (Paperback)

It is great to see 2 of my favorite books back in print."Vitality Supreme" and "Muscular Power And Beauty" both by Bernarr MacFadden was one of the greatest innovators in the field of physical culture. His magazine"Physical Culture" was the dominant publication in the field in the early 1900s. The 2 previously mentioned books introduced the public to resistance exercise which was later hyped as Dynamic Tension by Charles Atlas who had been named "The World's Most Perfectly Developed Man" in a contest sponsored by MacFadden and made popular by ads run in MacFadden's "Physical Culture Magazine." He also sponsored perfect woman competitions and promoted healthy living in numerous ways. Great Books!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Macfadden's Best, July 2, 2002

By 

Jim Bennett (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vitality Supreme (Paperback)

I'm glad to see this book by the "father of physical culture" back in print. It is truly a classic and by far the best and most useful of Macfadden's numerous books. This book mainly covers exercises for developing vitality (physical well-being and energy), but also has some good information about diet, correct breathing, fresh air, preserving the teeth, curing constipation, blood purifucation, bathing, clothing, sleep, etc. It covers a wide range of health subjects. Bernarr Macfadden (1868-1955), America's first "health guru" was definitely ahead of his time. This book presents many of his theories in a clear and readable format. The style of writing is definitely dated, but his message is clear. The photographs are numerous and excellent.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fountain of youth, December 30, 2010

By 

Tropical Bill - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Vitality Supreme (Kindle Edition)

For anyone over fifty, this is a gold mine of excellent tips on staying healthy and strong -- diet, exercise, digestion. Unfortunate.y, Macfadden had a distain for physicians' advice. That aside, he is helpful. One problem with the small Kindle is that the exercise illustrations do not show well.