Charles Atlas The Man, The Myth and the Muscles Paperback – August 26, 2014

Though a very modest book in production value, it is a fantastic retrospect on such an influential person in the fitness/body development arena. Not only does the author give a very good account of the life and career of Angelo Sicilianno (Charles Atlas) but he throws in such nice details of what was happening to the world as the biography progresses (a couple of world wars, the great depression etc.) I wish I could personally thank the author for taking the time to research and write this book about a man who, at least for me had a huge impact on my career and life. Best regards, Michael Yousssouf, Recipient of the 2000, IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year

I was hoping I could give this 5 stars, but when I review something it involves the total package. As for what is written I very much enjoyed, and was quite intrigued by the stories in Charles Atlas' life. But most of the photos are not in the correct aspect ratio. Some are too narrow, and some are stretched too wide. And speaking of but... Do we really need to see his?

A very interesting, enjoyable and insightful look into the life and persona of one of the most dynamicmen to walk among mankind. Atlas was born to raise mankind up from the ordinary to extraordinarystate of life physically, mentally and spiritually. I enjoy doing his exercises too!

This, quite simply, should have been a pamplet and not a book - there was just not enough information to justify a book.And what was there covered the WW II and other people almost as much as Atlas. I did learn more about Charles Atles but since I only knew him from his ads on the back of comic books that is not saying much. There was about 20 to 25 pages after you adjusted for the large font, some strangely stretched, fuzzy pictures and removing information on other people/WWII.But since I wasn't even sure he was a real guy and not just some trumped up adverstising figurehead it was nice to get some information - skimpy as it was. They did cover his early life in some detail but once you got to his adult life there wasn't much. I'm not sure if there just isn't a lot known about him or they just took the easy course of action.I did enjoy what little was said about him as I consider Atlas a pivotal figure in bodybuilding. I've lifted weights since I was about 10 or 11 year old (I started in the 6th grade). It's just something that's become a part of who I am.This is good ONLY if you know nothing about Atlas as there is not enough information to justify the price. And beside that, the book need a proofreader - and someone to fix many of the pictures - they look like they had been poorly photo-copied and stretched too much.I would rate this a fair at 6.0 to 6.5 - sadly it's just not worth it for most people.

This book contains 65 pages, approximately 22 pages of that is pictures and blank space, so you're buying a book that's about 43 pages long, with rather large font. There's 2 pages of historical events on WW II that may provide a little context, but have nothing to do with Atlas. Conversely, any mention of WW I is omitted. There are lengthy quotes from books by Frederick Tilney and Joe Bonomo. Much of the information is in Gaines and Butler's volume and sources on the internet. It is not well edited. This work appears to be pieced together primarily from existing sources. Although the author alludes to stories about Atlas, from people who knew him (perhaps even his children), such references are vague and undocumented. For an introductory primer on Charles Atlas, this book has some value, but there's little else here

It sucks ... really crappy photos ... some are totally black. I'm glad I didn't pay much for it.

Buena informacion

It was a good up to date biography of the man. I enjoyed it. My only complaint would be that some of the pictures weren't reproduced very well. They were dark and unrecognizable. The text was good, however.

This is an excellent and straightforward biography of Charles Atlas. As an old Atlas pupil of the 1950s and collector of Charles Atlas/Charles Roman memorabilia I really enjoyed this short well written book.The only criticism I have, is that the photographs are not that good and somewhat distorted.If you into old time strongmen and especial Charles Atlas I highly recommend this book for your collection.

Interesting biography, easy to read and fast paced. Many of the pictures in my copy di not come out very well and were mainly black....looked as though the book itself was poorly put together...a shame, stopped it getting four stars.

Excellent book can't put it down every man's dream to be like charlie

IT WILL BE AN ITEM THAT IN TIME WILL BE A PART OF ATLAS FOLKLORE. I AM GLAD PEOPLE ARE STILL WRITING ABOUT MR. ATLAS.