The Kings of Strength

<p> More than a century ago the barrel-chested strongman clad in leopard skins Roman sandals and carrying an oversized barbell was a common performer in fairs circuses and vaudeville theaters. In 1911 before this phenomenon had disappeared French gym owner journalist and athlete Edmond Desbonnet published a colorful history of these mighty performers. Since he knew and interviewed many of these men (and women) Desbonnet was able to put a human face on the strongmen and strongwomen who made their livings by performing spectacular strength stunts for the entertainment of the public. Among these were super-strong athlete Louis Uni known as Apollon; Eugen Sandow the mighty Adonis of the stage; the great strongwoman Kati Sandwina Brumbach and many others who entertained audiences by lifting barbells automobiles horses and even elephants. Now translated to English and extensively annotated <I>The Kings of Strength</I> records and preserves the biographies of more than 200 strength performers and bodybuilders from ancient times up to the early 1900s. The book provides a vital contribution to both theatrical and athletic history while exploring the universal fascination with strength and muscular physiques.</p>