Naked: A Cultural History of American Nudism

Naked is not your average “beach read.” Usually, you pick some light fare to pass your time reading while soaking up the sun (and in between swimming) at the shore. However, if you’re a nudist, you may find this exactly what you want to read.First, let me state that author Hoffman is an academic writing about nudism, so he approaches the book with the rigor required for the Academy (the notes, bibliography and index take up 66 pages of the book). Since getting involved in naturism, I’ve read a LOT on the subject, so if you’re like me, some of what you’ll read in Naked won’t come as “new news.” However, author Hoffman’s studied, honest approach—pointing out the good alongside the not-so-good—pulls you in. Happily, the writing isn’t stilted or boring. Hey, it’s not a pulse-pounding thriller, but if you focus just a little, you’ll “get into” the book.What I found most interesting is how author Hoffman explains the “Cultural History” part of the book’s title. Taking the movement from its earliest days, decade by decade, he illustrates the impact nudism has had on the societal mores of the time and I found it interesting (and informative) how that changed over the span of the Twentieth Century. Neither pro, nor con, author Hoffman lays it out and lets the chips fall where they may. In fact, his honesty won’t allow him to extrapolate and he ends the book on sort of an “open note,” not putting a period on the end of the sentence, so to speak. His last sentence, "Once again nudists will have to negotiate the shifting boundaries of sexual expression in the United States," speaks volumes.Naked isn’t an apologetic for nudism—it’s a studied look at a phenomenon—not a slam, or praise, of the movement. Unlike much pro-nudist literature, he views the subject as the practice of sexual beings. As much as nudists chant the “it’s not about sex” mantra, as you read this book you realize that—because we are sexual beings—we cannot escape the fact that out sexuality often informs our nudism, taking into account the societal pressures around us.Ultimately, I found the book a fascinating read and applaud author Hoffman for providing, in layman’s terms, a “new” look at a phenomenon so many consider weird or perverse, largely because of the misunderstanding and mystery surrounding the unorthodox practice. It should be a welcome addition to any nudist/naturist’s library.

A scholarly effort to explore an aspect of modern culture which is taboo for most people.

…and very little else. Spends quite a bit of time on the development of Nudism in the United States during the 20's and 30's, kind of rushes through things starting in the 80's.The author did a lot of research, some of it at the American Nudist Research Library located in the Cypress Cove Nudist Resort Kissimmee Florida…I don't know when I ever saw a book so heavily footnoted (If you care about such things you'll need 2 bookmarks 1 for the book and 1 for the notes). I'd guess that most of the resources aren't available to the general public, some of the old magazines may show up on eBay. What websites there are you'll have to dig through the footnotes to find them.Slow going- you won't zip through it.The author seems to feel that "sex sells" was in use even then, especially in the various magazines, and seems to believe that some magazine ads (some of the pictures that were used too) and resorts had hidden Gay hookup purposes (I don't see that in the magazine ads I've seen, most magazines didn't really run many ads).Interesting book but more of a "check it out at the library" (lots of luck trying to find a copy) book than one you'll want to own and reread.Pictures?, if that's what you're really after go somewhere else, they're small, few and far between (and no listings to make them easy to find).

This title is precisely what it claims to be AND a first-rate read besides. It's hard to imagine a better account of the clothes-free phenomenon in the U.S.A. The author lays out the facts and figures as well as providing judicious interpretations of the most relevant events. Its scope includes most of the 20th century and into the new millennium. The illustrations placed among the essays are few but well-chosen. Following the main text are very helpful lists of sources (legal decisions, au naturel films, Congressional records, etc.) as well as a bibliography of articles, books and internet information. As promised, this is indeed a CULTURAL history. As such even non-nudists/naturists will find fascinating all the info about the time's headlines, folk wisdom, politics, economics, journalism, social psychology, anthropology and sociology of the nation at large. Everyone with a human body ought to treat themselves to this excellent offering.

An excellent read, giving an interesting insight into the development of nudism/naturism in America. Various legal matters discussed in some detail with much information about the leaders of the movement. I felt it gave an interesting viewpoint into American society's view of the morality of the nude lifestyle. It appears to have been well researched and despite being a little heavy going in parts provided me with a very enjoyable read about a part of the nudist movement which I previously knew little about.