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.

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!

A very good book which gets only three stars because it glosses over MacFadden's career as a wrestler, and his days with wrestling's "Three Musketeers" of Missouri: John C. Meyer, George Baptiste, and himself. MacFadden did jump out of an airplane over the age of 80 though, which is pretty cool.

Incidentally, MacFadden inaccurately labels himself as america's "Father of Physical Culture," when that title actually went to William Muldoon, former graeco-roman champion wrestler, who died in 1933, and reigned as champion thru the 1880s.

If you're looking for a book about the life of Bernarr Macfadden, this one is my recommendation. It is extremely well-researched, comprehensive, and exceptionally well written. It is enjoyable to read. Ernst covers virtually all aspects of Macfadden's life from his birth to his death. Perhaps the author could be faulted because he did not focus on one area of his subject's multifaceted life, but I feel that as a biographer, the author gives just the right amount of attention to the various areas.

This biography of Bernarr Macfadden (the "Father of Physical Culture") focuses mainly upon his activities as a maverick publisher during the early decades of the 20th century. There is an excellent account of Macfadden's confrontation with censorship (Anthony Comstock, in particular) which resulted in a Supreme Court case.

A well-researched and highly readable book.

This book was originally published in 1901 and is a true classic by the man who has been called the "father of physical culture."

Macfadden (1868-1955), the author, was a true "nature boy," helped launch the health consciousness which has become a major industry, and was an early advocate of natural means to better health and longevity. Considered a prophet by some and a self-promoting charlatan by others, he authored numerous books on health, nutrition, exercise, and natural healing.

This book, in my estimation, is one of his best. The style is somewhat rambling, but there is much useful information that is presented clearly without scientific jargon. The book is amply illustrated with photographs both of the author and of female models with long hair. The photographs are definitely from an earlier era.

Macfadden's method for restoring and/or maintaining healthy hair involved massaging the scalp, brushing the hair, and pulling the hair "to strengthen the roots." He also advocated a nutritious diet. He blamed hair loss on poor circulation to the hair roots. Eating the proper foods - especially fruits and vegetables - is vital to the health of the whole body including the hair.

In many ways, Macfadden was ahead of his time. Although his writing style has a kind of "homespun," amateur quality, the content is not to be dismissed.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of natural health and/or is interested in reading about some unique and interesting ways to have healthy hair.

This was one of three biographies which Bernarr Macfadden, millionaire publisher and health guru, commissioned to be written about himself. If you're looking for a good biography, you won't find it here. What you will find in this book is plenty of fluff and flattery. The message is repetitious - Macfadden was an early 20th century version of Abraham Lincoln - a self-made man who raised himself from humble beginnings to greatness. The purpose of this biography and the others was to convince the public that Macfadden would be a great choice for president - the office which he aspired to hold, but never had a chance of winning. The book is interesting from the stand point of being a propaganda piece.