This edited book draws on new research to provide an overview of the muscular ideal, including historical and present socioeconomic trends, assessment and measurement issues, and clinical presentation of disorders such as muscle dysmorphia. Chapters also cover related issues such as steroid use, repeated cosmetic surgery, and prevention issues. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Thompson and Cafri (both Univ. of South Florida) have put together a solid collection that unites a wide variety of essays--12 in all--in a reasonably coherent whole. As with any edited volume, the content of the pieces overlaps somewhat, as each contributor sets out the background before delving into his or her specific topic. The strongest chapters are those that offer in-depth discussion of the sociological, cultural, and psychological nature of muscularity and masculinity. Notable among these are Lynne Luciano's "Muscularity and Masculinity in America" and Alan Klein's "Size Matters," which looks at body building. Some chapters provide simply an overview of a related topic or stray too far from the central theme, and contribute less to the discussion of this relatively new scholarly topic. But as a whole, this is an important addition to the literature on muscle dysmorphia and the related issues of muscularity and masculinity. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. Upper-division Undergraduates; Graduate Students; Researchers/Faculty; Two-year Technical Program Students; Professionals/Practitioners. Reviewed by D. M. Furst. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.