EARLE LIEDERMAN

He wrote one of the most famous bodybuilding books of the early era, "Muscle Building", in 1924 - the photo at right, from the book has a caption which reads "...control of the upper back muscles...taken in 1907, when the author first aquired some of his muscles".

In the late "teens", Liederman toured the Orpheum Circuit with the legendary Charles Atlas in a bodybuilding and strength show. They sold out theatres accross the United States. In the 1920s, both men started mail-order muscle building businesses and both were successful. The courses of Charles Atlas are still sold by the company who have remained in business since that time.

"Muscle Control", that is, the ability to flex and control the muscles of the anatomy at will and in an independent fashion, is a lost art. Though the early bodybuilders didn't see massive bulk as attractive, they gave an awesome show with their classically porportioned bodies, such as the display shown at right. Rippling their backs, abdominal muscles, and their pecs in a rhythmic and undulating show of manly power caught the audience spellbound. This is something few muscle stars can match today, opting for sheer mass to impress their followers. A great star at muscle control was "Maxick" who may be seen elsewhere on this site.

Liederman, in his writing, is almost poetic, and highly dramatic in his descriptions, indeed he was a prolific writer. He lived in New York City.