Mr. America: The Tragic History of a Bodybuilding Icon

"Mr. America" traces the rise and decline of the iconic bodybuilding contest that epitomized muscular manhood in the 20th century, beginning in 1939 in Schenectady, New York. Through interviews and extensive research, it explores the event's roots in Greek virtues and its evolution amid societal changes, commercial influences, and issues like size obsession and doping. This engaging study offers a detailed look at the contest's role in shaping ideals of American masculinity and its eventual shift away from its original values.