Bernarr Macfadden, born 1868, was a prophet of hypermasculinity. He discovered Charles Atlas, established a publishing empire and attempted to found both a city and a religion based on his physical culture principles.
While claiming he could live to 150, Macfadden blew his chances by refusing medical treatment and bowed out at a still respectable 87. Mark Adams, author of the book Mr. America: How Bernarr Macfadden Transformed the Nation Through Sex, Salad, and the Ultimate Starvation Diet takes up the incredible story:
Macfadden spread his gospel through more than 100 books. How he found time to sleep let alone follow his own lifestyle tips is a mystery – just looking through the titles is exhausting. But a lot of fun.
Manhood and marriage
Macfadden’s Encyclopedia of Physical Culture (5 volumes)
The Virile Powers of Superb Manhood: How Developed, How Lost: How Regained
The Miracle of Milk – How to Use the Milk Diet Scientifically at Home
Strengthening the eyes: A system of scientific eye training
Constipation, its cause, effect and treatment
Sweethearts for Life or Marriage Idealized
Natural Cure for Rupture
Power and Beauty of Superb Womanhood
Be Married and like It
After 40 – What?
Talks to a Young Man about Sex
Headaches: How Caused and How Cured
Marriage: a Lifelong Honeymoon
Virile Powers of Superb Manhood
Hair culture; rational methods for growing the hair and for developing its strength and beauty