Beefcake, The Muscle Magazines of America 1950-1970 by F. Valentine Hooven 111

 Published by Benedikt Taschen, this is a non-fiction study of the “beefcake” genre—muscle magazines that flourished in America between 1950 and 1970. It is a collection of photographs and drawings, including early work by Tom of Finland and Etienne, which served as a subtle, often hidden means of expression for gay culture when male homosexuality was still illegal or heavily stigmatized.

 It acts as a nostalgic, scholarly look at the evolution of the male nude in popular culture, tracking the transition from Greek-style poses to bodybuilding aesthetics.