Vol I Endorsements

With pinpoint accuracy and razor sharp attention to detail, Randy Roach has masterfully and entertainingly encapsulated the numerous critical events that have formed what is commonly referred to as the Iron Game and variously described as Physical Culture, bodybuilding and the strength training industry. With a long, colorful and oftentimes ambiguous and murky history, many aspects of the Iron Game and dealings concerning its major players have been shrouded in mystery, until now. Leaving nothing to chance, Randy has painstakingly researched and uncovered the truth behind the muscle, bodybuilding’s real origins and historical underpinnings – nutritional and otherwise. “Muscle, Smoke and Mirrors” is a tremendous book and compulsory reading for all who wish to learn the truth about the Iron Game and have even the remotest interest in the history of Physical Culture. Surely destined to become a literary masterpiece.

- David Robson,
Professional freelance writer and book author

Today’s universal obsession with a tight athletic body and performance can be traced back to bodybuilding. In fact what we’re going through today was conceived and delivered many decades ago in a sport that is so cutting edge that it took the world almost a century to catch up. Just how it all evolved is fascinating and spellbinding. Randy Roach is the ultimate historian, combining extensive research and interviews with both his vast knowledge of the sport and his obvious writing talent. The result is a book that brings history to life and manages to be both informative and entertaining. Once you start to read this book, even though it’s almost 600 pages long, you’ll find it difficult to put down.

- Mauro Di Pasquale, MD,
Author of the recent “Amino Acids and Proteins for the Athlete”
www.metabolicdiet.com

“Muscle, Smoke & Mirrors” is the definitive resource for anyone interested in Physical Culture, bodybuilding and allied subjects. Exhaustively researched, brilliantly written and with rare historical photographs. Randy Roach has produced the ‘go to’ book, the complete chronicle of the Iron Game.

- Ed Spielman,
Creator of “KUNG FU”, ABC-TV Series,
Author of “The Spiritual Journey of Joseph L. Greenstein, The Mighty Atom, World’s Strongest Man”

I can’t say enough good things about “Muscle, Smoke & Mirrors.” It’s a fabulous read of the Iron Game, synthesized as never before. Randy Roach hit a home run.

I returned home from a 20-hour plane ride (with stops) from China last night intending to immediately hit the sack. I made the mistake of cracking the book and spent the night reading the first 200+ (of 600) pages.

I’ve never recommended a book before. Get a copy!

- Ken Sprague,
Author of “The Athlete’s Body”

I’ve been asked to teach a course on Physical Culture and bodybuilding 101 and I would definitely use “Muscle, Smoke & Mirrors” as a class text book. What else can I say, he’s nailed it!

- Bob Gajda, Ph.D.,
Author of “Total Body Training”
www.gajdahealthplus.com

Randy Roach has made an outstanding contribution to iron game history with volume one of Muscles, Smoke & Mirrors. I’ve learned much from it, especially about the intimate connection between bodybuilding, which no one has really explored in quite the same depth and length. Randy’s love and understanding of the iron game is evident throughout the account which incorporates new sources, fresh insights, and balanced judgments. We look forward to the appearance of volume two which will bring his story up to the present.

- John D. Fair,
Author of “Muscletown USA”

I am well into your great work “Muscle Smoke and Mirrors” and wanted to let you know I feel. This is a work of passion not seen before and perhaps will not be seen again. I started fast reading or scanning the book, but found so much of it deep in detail and facts that I had to go back and read it word for word. The attention to detail and your efforts to make certain only accurate accounts are presented sets this work above any I’ve read. It’s good to know someone like you exists in our sport. Anyone even remotely interested in bodybuilding needs this book. I can’t wait for Volume II.

- Alan Palmieri,
Author of “Vince Gironda, Legend and Myth”
www.palmieribodybuilding.com

Absolutely fantastic! More than the bottom line! A compendium! This is the best book EVER written on Physical Culture and nutrition. A MUST read!

- Bob Green,
Industry writer

Muscle, Smoke, and Mirrors by Randy Roach is an INSTANT CLASSIC! I was blown away by it’s historical depth and quality of research. It is clearly one of the best Iron Game/Physical Culture history books ever written. This book sets a new standard for quality. Anyone even remotely interested in the weight game should get this book.

- Bob Whelan, M.S., C.S.C.S.,
Author and strength coach
www.naturalstrength.com

There is an oldie song entitled “Anticipation.” My copy of Randy Roach’s Volume I arrived and this was my mental state, “anticipation.” I was nervous concerning one aspect, how would Vince Gironda be presented? Would it be a positive or negative picture? I have as much control over Randy’s literary penmenship as I do the weather – NONE! But, Randy was extremely fair to Vince. About one half into Muscle, Smoke & Mirrors, my obvious first thought was overwhelming, brilliant and an instant classic never to be duplicated as it is one of a kind!

This is the exact way I equate Vince Gironda’s contribution to our sport as it is no secret as to how I feel about Vince. In ending, if anyone is contemplating publishing a similar one to Randy’s, my advice is not to waste your time or write a book about bass fishing. My next anticipation is Volume II.

Oh yes, not bad for a blind guy!

- Ron Kosloff,
NSP Research Nutrition
www.nspresearchnutrition.com

I started reading your book yesterday. I can’t put it down. I know nothing about the Bodybuilding industry. What a great book.

- Randy Dietrich,
St. David’s high school teacher