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R. Christian Anderson
Designer - Photographer - HistorianMy interest in traditional bodybuilding began early in my childhood when I brought home my first strength magazine. I remember big Dave Draper (Mr. Universe at the time) who hosted a local television show in Los Angeles which showed the Italian "Sword and Sandal" movies of the 50s and early 60s. Those films starred the Steve Reeves, Brad Harris, Dan Vadis, and Gordon Scott became childhood heroes.
In researching the roots of the sport, I have come to gain great respect for the men who began the sport at the turn of the last century. Eugen Sandow was the first of the modern bodybuilders and his style was not one of intimidation, but rather as an inspiration to millions of men everywhere of what was possible for any ordinary man to obtain a strong well-muscled body following the principals of good health, determination, self-discipline and compassion for others.
"Sandow: Historic Photographs of Early Bodybuilders" continues to evolve from its modest beginnings in 1997 to become one of the largest archives tracing the history of the sport on the web. The site is still viewed by hundreds of visitors every day.
I continue to correspond with many interested in the sport and research it's beginnings. I have contributed to JOE WEIDER'S I.F.B.B. HALL OF FAME website and I am an overseas contributor to HEALTH AND STRENGTH MAGAZINE in the U.K. I have written articles on the history of bodybuilding for HEALTH AND STRENGTH and POWERMAG and have contributed material to the OFFICIAL I.F.B.B. WEBSITE , MUSCLE AND FITNESS MAGAZINE , and THE WEAKEST LINK T.V. SHOW. I am a designer by profession, and my longest ongoing project has been this website. I live and work in southern California.
If you have any questions regarding the images on this site, or you have something to contribute, please write to the following address...
Be sure and visit these other bodybuilding website I am proud to be a part of ...
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