Funktionelles Frauenturnen Mit 164 Abbildungen Nach Aufnahmen Der Natur.VIII 324, [4] pp.Illustrated with 164 photographs.8vo., 190 x 135 mm, bound in publisher’s linen over boards stamped in blue.Munchen: F. Bruckmann A.-G., 1923.
First Edition.A photographic book on exercise and gymnastics specifically for women by the Dutch American doctor Bess Mensendieck. Mensendieck’s (1864-1957) training as a sculpture piqued her interest in human musculature and posture leading to train as a physician in Switzerland. Drawing from both disciplines she developed the Mensendieck System of gymnastics which would be taught throughout Europe in the twentieth century.
Mensendieck published several books illustrating her system.Her insistence on the use of nude modeling for her publications (often posing herself) resulted in her books being published in the more permissive Germany.In the present book several of the models doff face coverings, presumably to shield their identities, which lend the work an uncanny element of surrealism.The front cover has a previous owner inscription, else a fine copy.
