Muscle, Smoke, & Mirrors: Volume I

by Randy Roach, Mauro Di Pasquale MD (Foreword)

The research for this extensive, two volume project... represents a comprehensive effort to establish a complete context from which the sport of bodybuilding arose. "Muscle, Smoke & Mirrors" is the rise and fall of what was truly once an extraordinary discipline associated with a term known as "Physical Culture". Experience what bodybuilding was originally and learn just exactly what "Physical Culture" really is. See what growing philanthropic power flexed its financial and political muscles to foster its corporate agenda, compromising human health internationally. Read how the merger of technology and politics culminated in the industrialization, commercialization, federalization, internationalization and finally the STERILIZATION of a nation's food supply, rendering it suspect not only to the general public; but also to the most elite of athletes. Whether you are a novice, an elite bodybuilder or simply sports-nutrition minded, learn how the emerging forces of the Iron Game evolved. Ultimately, the factions of this industry would grow powerful and manipulative while fighting for control over the Game. It took the running of several parallel histories on bodybuilding, nutrition, supplements and the role of drugs to offer a complete, first-time unraveling of the web of confusion and politics that still permeates the sport into the 21st century! Volume I of "Muscle, Smoke & Mirrors" is truly the untold stories surrounding "Bodybuilding's Amazing Nutritional Origins."

Genres: Fitness, History, Nonfiction

584 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[Shawn Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronicling the key players and events from the time of Sandow to the 1960's Golden era, this book is the definitive reference on the evolution of bodybuilding and the Iron Game. If history contains the lessons of the past, then this is a gold mine for those eager to learn from those who achieved amazing strength and physiques in a time before supplements, steroids, misinformation and lies that characterise the industry today. Hands down, best book I've ever read on the subject of bodybuilding and nutrition and easily one of my Top 5 favourite reads ever. What's even more mind-blowing is that the author, Roach, has just finished Part 2 (700+ pages) and is completely blind.

[Oliver Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful synthesis of iron game research by the likes of David Chapman and John Fair combined with the author's encyclopedic knowledge of nutrition through the century, but I sure wish this had been edited prior to self-publication. For every good paragraph, there are five extremely clunky and awkward ones. Nevertheless, the information contained herein is priceless; I wish Roach had sought to publish this through a university press (Illinois, perhaps).

[Laree Draper]

I haven't tackled this yet due to time shortage, but from all reports, Randy's done a tremendous job collecting this valuable history.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

A textbook on the history of physical culture, corresponding nutrition, and how it evolved (and arguably devolved). An invaluable resource that was well worth the hefty price tag.

[Chris McClinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a fantastic look at bodybuilding and nutrition from the 19th century rise of physical culture through the end of the '60s. Looking forward to Volume II whenever it streets.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book about Physical Culture, Nutrition, and everything inbetween.