Pumping Iron: The Art and Sport of Bodybuilding

by Charles Gaines, George Butler

Who are they and why do they do it?—these men who dedicate themselves to building bodies like Hellenistic statues; who crisscross the world competing for titles as grandiose yet as publicly uncelebrated (Mr. America, Mr. Universe, Mr. Olympia) as their gargantuan physique; whose daily lives are as rigidly defined and regulated by their obsession to mold the ideal body ... only their fellow muscle men know who they are and know the price they have paid to win their incredible bodies. Novelist Charles Gaines and photographer George Butler have spent the last two years trying to capture the essence of this strange, joyful, exotic world.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Health, Biography, Bodies

221 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Ryan Ard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do love an old training book. Scientific phrases such as "blasting the quads" or "blowing up the chest" are sprinkled throughout the book. I was entertained by the in vogue training methodology used in the 70's. Pumping Iron gives the reader a walk through of 1970's bodybuilding through the eyes of a few greats including the greatest, Arnold Schwarzenegger. We also cannot mention Pumping Iron without mentioning Schwarzenegger's famous quote about the pump and how it feels as good as an orgasm.

[Shawn Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before heading to the gym became a part of the cultural milieu, public knowledge of bodybuilding came from ads in the back of comic books, strongman stereotypes and the sexually suspect muscle magazines situated adjacent the pornography in newstands. 


While many have seen the film, few have read the book that set the stage for the most iconic era in bodybuilding history. Authors Butler and Gaines cast themselves as explorers of the shadowy, uncharted, and marginalised landscape of bodybuilding, exposing the public to this maligned subculture 

Assigned to write an article covering bodybuilding for Sports Illustrated, writer Charles Gaines and photographer George Butler met newly immigrated, European sensation, Arnold Schwarennerger at one of his earlier contests. Both were convinced Arnold was destined for stardom and their subsequent book and film serendipitously captures his rising star.

The project had failure written all over it and the authors were threatened with career suicide for even attempting the project. Dismissed by critical publishers as “tacky sleaze” and “fag bait”, it was a Sissyphean task just to bring this book to print. 

While the film focuses on the 1975 amateur and professional competitions, the book follows Corney and Katz competing in the 72 Mr Universe held in Baghdad and the 73 Olympia held in Brooklyn, so there’s a lot more contrasting and varied perspectives compared to the film. 

While the film captures a facade of the onscreen personalities, the book dives deeper into the motivations and process behind their obsession, pulling direct quotes in the sidebars that 
provide a revealing glimpse into the sport and the men who participate in it. 

It’s a well constructed expose that's not only educational, but to an extent,  rehabilitates the image problem associated with bodybuilding. It respectfully captures the essence of this niche obsession on the cusp of its explosion into the global phenomenon it eventually became. Its masterful prose is raw and honest, dripping with imagery which brings the character and events from 50 years ago to life.

The superlative photography provides a visual window into the world of Schwarzenneger, Corney, Feriggno and Katz - making them household names and stirring public interest for the sport of bodybuilding. 

The book is a time capsule teleporting the reader to a very different era ambivalent to the constraints of contemporary culture that would guarantee this book would definitely not see the light of day in this politically charged era. There’s a reason this book is no longer in print - sensitive snowflakes would definitely be triggered by some of its “politically incorrect” content. 

This is the book that started it all. It not only put bodybuilding on the map, it gave voice to a recreation 3500 years in the making. 

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good look at the drama and dedication of competitive body building with some remarkable insights into the obsession of lifting.

[Daniel Berkson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not enough arnold, too much about obscure characters. I remember the documentary having a lot of more about Arnold and his antics, and being generally more entertaining. The book is much more about the history of the sport and the sport itself, discussing obscure bodybuilders, etc. I did however get some amazing workouts in while reading book. Definitely makes you want to pick up heavy things.

[Oliver Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing essay, gorgeous pictures. Far superior to the cheesy-but-groundbreaking documentary that Butler made with Schwarzenegger a few years later. I wish it were nastier and seamier, but that's just me.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the book

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable for what it is but the authors are very clearly contemptuous of minorities lol

[Tim]

Great photos of a lost era in bodybuilding.

[Davidveidlitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduced me to the wunderkind Arnold.