Children of the Sun

by Gordon Kennedy

Children of the Sun (1998) is a pictorial anthology from Germany to California...1883-1949, and includes short biographies of 16 individuals and 4 social reform movements. But the story is told mostly through the 144 photos, both color and black and white.

It clearly describes the important links between the German health and nature pioneers,and their latter day California counterparts.

One of a kind compilation this work reveals the true origins of the alternative and natural lifestyles which eventually took root on American soil and have become the huge phenomenon that they are today.

Gordon Kennedy has made his living as an organic farmer for 22 years, and serves as a historical consultant to several raw food publications. A serious student of anthropology who's archives have been of value to the scientific community Mr. Kennedy is also an active spokesperson for environmental issues.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

192 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published December 31, 1998

Reviews

[Erik Graff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this profusely illustrated book cover to cover in about an hour. It describes, by means of very brief biographies and descriptions of groups, naturist movements originating in Germany and, in some cases, migrating to California. The period covered is roughly from Goethe until 1949. There's no particular organization to the text, no real presence of an author with a thesis to push or any critical standpoint. There are, however, many photographs of naked people celebrating and much of the artwork of the talented 'Fidus' (Hugo Hoppener, b. 1868).

What's missing from this book is any discussion of the broader Volkish movement in pre-war Germany and its influence on National Socialism in general and Adolph Hitler in particular--an influence which is of some historical importance. Indeed, WWII is barely mentioned. Missing also, except by implication, is the relationship of these groups to race theories of the time, though much is made of the (mythic) character of the early Germanic peoples.

[Greg Leatherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended, but there remains room for a more definitive volume. Does have interesting illustrations and may really be all some people need on the subject. It was a bit adulatory and I wanted more serious social/ideological context for influences to and from this movement. Of course, the author makes no pretense of that, so you do get what he promises. For what it is, it is a good book.

[Victor]

References the Nature Boys of Tahquitz Canyon and Topanga Canyon circa 1920s, 1930s. The Nature Boys lived naked outdoors in makeshift camps and ate organic foods and wore beards and long hair. These were precursors to California hippies.
http://www.hippy.com/php/article-243....

[Johanna Hilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating investigation to the origins of the hippie movement which began with barefoot nudists in Germany and finally landed to the shores of California. This book could have been so much more when it comes to its descriptiveness but the stunning images make up for it.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute must read for everybody. It is a compilation of articles about the "back to nature" movement tracing it back to the middle-ages.

[Tristán Saldáña · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captures the origins of the health movement in Los Angeles—the Germans brought it to LA!

[Cwn_annwn_13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Germans invented Hippie.

[Phil Dwyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat desultory. I read it hoping to find some solid material for a novel I'm planning. It provided a few threads, but I'm going to have to do more research to turn those threads into material.

[Daniel Warden]

A very interesting, enjoyable and inspirational book.