Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A good reference archive, January 20, 2000
By A Customer
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.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderfully designed set of vintage gay ameicana, August 17, 1999
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.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
just to have it, September 26, 2001
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.
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