Physical Culture: The Personal Problem Magazine (2 issues: December 1934, April 1938)

Bernarr Macfadden (1868-1955) was an advocate of 'physical culture,' which combined bodybuilding with nutritional and health theories. A weak and sickly child, he discovered the benefits of hard physical work and weight lifting. To that end, he founded Physical Culture magazine in 1899 and served as editor until 1912. Macfadden quickly expanded into a publishing empire, producing magazines including Liberty, True Detective, True Story, True Romances, Dream World, Ghost Stories, Photoplay, and the tabloid newspaper, The New York Evening Graphic.

Physical Culture magazine initially focused on bodybuilding, but in time added information on health and fitness. Macfadden often included photographs of people (including himself) wearing minimal or no clothing. The magazine stayed in print for over 50 years.

Published by Macfadden Publications, New York. Paper covers; some wear and tear associated with use and age; covers intact; text clean. G