A fun and humorous treasure trove of extremely rare, all-American beefcake pinups. From the author of Bunny Yeager’s Darkroom and Bettie Page comes Beefcake, a Herculean collection of male nudes culled from vintage magazines of men for men. A lighthearted celebration of the male physique at its best, this entertaining volume features sporty and wholesome specimens championing the ideal male figure. Beefcake includes photos selected from private collections of rare male pinups from the 1940s to pre-disco, but it also showcases images and layouts from physique magazines with titles like Muscle, Adonis, International Nudist Sun, Tomorrow’s Man, and Buck and Champ. Many of the photos featured are previously unseen—and highly collectible—works from the hugely influential photographer Bruce of Los Angeles, Kovert of Hollywood, Western Photography Guild, Don Whitman, and Kris Studio, as well as from the edgy and previously unpublished D. R. Parker and the covert Karoll of Havana.Arranged thematically with chapters such as Peak of Perfection, Swords & Sandals, Dare Devils, Locker Room, Demi Gods, Lonely Sailor, Rugged & Rough, and Gladiator, and celebrating the midcentury graphic design of the magazine covers and interiors, Beefcake is a fun and witty tribute to male physique photography.

About The Author

Petra Mason is a cultural historian and creative director who partners with Books & Books Press. She is the author of several books, including Bunny Yeager’s Darkroom and Bettie Page: Queen of Curves.