The Women
Having experienced a surge in popularity in the 1980s, women's bodybuilding produced a number of how-to books by stars such as Lisa Lyon, Gladys Portugues, and Rachel McLish. Dobbins's book is a gallery of 50 color and black-and-white "art" photos (read: there is some tasteful nudity) showing off the physiques of female bodybuilders in studio settings. The brief text recaps the muscles-vs.-beauty controversy in the sport and emphasizes the special obstacles women face, physically and psychologically, in the form of criticism from family and friends. This book champions the "muscles are beautiful" side. Dobbins, who coauthored The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding (LJ 9/1/85) with Arnold Schwarzenegger, has extensive photographic experience with bodybuilders, and it shows in these crisp, artful photographs. Recommended for public libraries.Kathy Ruffle, Coll. of New Caledonia Lib., Prince George, B.C.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.