Strength coaching in America : a history of the innovation that transformed sports /

This work by Shurley (University of Wisconsin--Whitewater), Jan Todd and the late Olympic weightlifting champion Terry Todd (formerly, Univ. of Texas, Austin) offers an interesting overview of the development of strength coaching in the US. This reviewer commends the volume as a must-read to historians, professionals involved in recreational weight training, and all others who are interested in strength training, whether as a form of recreation or as a profession. It should also be read by those curious about the impact of strength training on numerous other athletic endeavors. The book provides insight into physiological systems within the body aside from muscle that are influenced by strength training. It comprises seven chapters: "Before Barbells," "Building the Barbell Athlete," "Science Connection," "Pioneers of Strength Training for College Sports before 1969," "An Emerging Profession" (dealing with Boyd Epley and the NSCA), "Bridging the Gap," and "Strength Coaching in the 20th Century." The appendix provides an apt and touching remembrance of Dr. Terry Todd, who influenced a considerable number of professionals in the field of strength conditioning. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. General readers. --Allan H. Goldfarb, University of North Carolina at Greensboro