Eric Chaline's Books

The Temple of Perfection

A History of the Gym

By: Eric Chaline

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These days there is only one right answer when someone asks you what you are doing after work. Hitting the gym! With an explosion of apps, clothing, devices, and countless DVDs, fitness has never felt more modern, and the gym is its holy laboratory, alive with machinery, sweat, and dance music. But we are far from the first to pursue bodily perfection—the gymnasium dates back 2,800 years, to the very beginnings of Western civilization. In The Temple of Perfection, Eric Chaline offers the first proper consideration of the gym’s complex, layered history and the influence it has had on the development of Western individualism, society, education, and politics. As Chaline shows, how we take care of our bodies has long been based on a complex mix of spiritual beliefs, moral discipline, and aesthetic ideals that are all entangled with political, social, and sexual power. Today, training in a gym is seen primarily as part of the pursuit of individual fulfillment. As he shows, however, the gym has always had a secondary role in creating men and women who are “fit for purpose”—a notion that has meant a lot of different things throughout history. Chaline surveys the gym’s many incarnations and the ways the individual, the nation-state, the media, and the corporate world have intersected in its steamy confines, sometimes with unintended consequences. He shows that the gym is far more than a factory for superficiality and self-obsession—it is one of the principle battlefields of humanity’s social, sexual, and cultural wars. Exploring the gym’s history from a multitude of perspectives, Chaline concludes by looking toward its future as it struggles to redefine itself in a world in thrall to quick fixes—such as plastic surgery and pharmaceuticals—meant to attain the gym’s ultimate promises: physical fitness and beauty.

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Page Count

274

Publisher

Reaktion Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1780234791

ISBN 13

9781780234793

Strokes of Genius

A History of Swimming

By: Eric Chaline

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Strokes of Genius

A History of Swimming

By: Eric Chaline

What could be better than diving into cool water on a hot day? In this enormously enjoyable and informative history of swimming, Eric Chaline sums up this most summery of moments with one phrase: pleasure beckons at the water’s edge. Strokes of Genius traces the history of swimming from the first civilizations to its current worldwide popularity as a sport, fitness pastime, and leisure activity. Chaline explores swimming’s role in ritual, early trade and manufacturing, warfare, and medicine, before describing its transformation in the early modern period into a leisure activity and a competitive sport—the necessary precursors that have made it the most common physical pastime in the developed world. The book celebrates the physicality and sensuality of swimming—attributes that Chaline argues could have contributed to the evolution of the human species. Swimming, like other disciplines that use repetitive movements to train the body and quiet the mind, is also a means of spiritual awakening—a personal journey of discovery. Swimming has attained the status of a cultural marker, denoting eroticism, leisure, endurance, adventure, exploration, and excellence. Strokes of Genius shows that there is not a single story of human swimming, but many currents that merge, diverge, and remerge. Chaline argues that swimming will become particularly important as we look toward a warmer future in which our survival may depend on our ability to adapt to life in an aquatic world.

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Page Count

330

Publisher

Reaktion Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1780238908

ISBN 13

9781780238906

Fifty Machines that Changed the Course of History

By: Eric Chaline

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Fifty Machines that Changed the Course of History

By: Eric Chaline

It could be argued that the most significant advances in the past two centuries have been made in the fields of science and technology, and that the defining objects of our culture are its mechanical devices. Rather than at looking at technology as a succession of generic inventions, 50 Machines that Changed the course of History identifies the most significant branded or one-off machines of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, placing them in their historical and technological contexts, and evaluating their impact on the development of human civilization. The preeminent machines of the First Industrial Revolution, the “Age of Steam,” include the first locomotive designed for passenger transport, Stephenson’s Rocket (1829), and the Corliss steam engine (1849) that powered Britain’s “Satanic mills,” in which the Harrison power loom (1851) produced the bulk of the world’s cotton cloth. The turn of the twentieth century, and the Second Industrial Revolution, saw the invention of many of the technologies that have created modern lifestyles: the Westinghouse AC system (1887) brought electrical power and lighting to homes and workplaces; the Berliner gramophone (1892), Lumière cine projector (1896), and Marconi radio (1897) heralded the dawn of the media age; and the age of the mass-produced automobile began with the Model T Ford (1908). Perfect for history buffs and anyone who is fascinated by complex and beautiful mechanical devices, Fifty Machines that Changed the Course of History is a celebration of 50 iconic machines, and of mechanical technology in general.

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224

Published Date

ISBN 10

1845435060

ISBN 13

9781845435066

Make 50 Wild and Wacky (but Useful!) Contraptions

By: Robert Brandt,Eric Chaline

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Make 50 Wild and Wacky (but Useful!) Contraptions

By: Robert Brandt,Eric Chaline

Making crazy devices that perform simple but useful tasks has never been more fun! Make 50 Wild and Wacky (but Useful!) Contraptions shows you how to create the most mazelike contraptions imaginable. Inside you'll discover: The key players in the world of contraptions: Rube Goldberg, Heath Robinson, and Robert Storm Petersen The different components that go into making a contraption, and how to build them The scientific, mechanical, and engineering secrets behind each of the components How to build working models that demonstrate all of the techniques Finally, and most importantly, Make 50 Wild and Wacky (but Useful!) Contraptions contains 50 easy-to-follow projects that show you how to make your own fiendishly complicated machines.

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Page Count

132

Publisher

Harper Collins

Published Date

ISBN 10

006143776X

ISBN 13

9780061437762

Simple Path to Yoga

By: Eric Chaline

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Simple Path to Yoga

By: Eric Chaline

Explores both the philosophy and practice of yoga"--Jacket

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Page Count

328

Published Date

ISBN 10

0760731403

ISBN 13

9780760731406

History's Worst Predictions

And the People who Made Them

By: Eric Chaline

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History's Worst Predictions

And the People who Made Them

By: Eric Chaline

History's Worst Predictions is a lighthearted look at fifty of the grandest predictions the world has seen - and how they proved to be spectacularly wrong. Every aspect of human life - religion, politics, science, economy, culture and war - has provided material for the most far-fetched and inaccurate of predictions. The book asks why we are still here, given that the end of the world has been foretold over 200 times, including: for 1833 by William Miller, who claimed to be in direct contact with God, and for 1997 by Nostradamus, king of the poor prediction. This beautifully illustrated, full-colour volume contains photographs and maps that bring each chapter to life, depicting the people and institutions responsible for some of the most infamous predictions in human history.

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Page Count

256

Publisher

Pier 9

Published Date

ISBN 10

1741969883

ISBN 13

9781741969887

History's Worst Inventions

And the People Who Made Them

By: Eric Chaline

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History's Worst Inventions

And the People Who Made Them

By: Eric Chaline

History's Worst Inventions is a light-hearted look at 50 of the worst inventions to grace the history of humankind. It casts light on the failures of otherwise celebrated inventors from Da Vinci to Edison, alongside the work of less well known and sometimes short-lived pioneers. Each entry outlines the inventor and his/her invention, as well as the reasons for its shortcomings, and their extent and consequences. They bring the personalities, history, science, politics and intrigue behind each of the innovations to life, before going on to unveil their consequences. History's Worst Inventions is illustrated in full colour using a wide range of drawings, paintings, photographs and maps.

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Page Count

256

Publisher

Pier 9

Published Date

ISBN 10

1741963818

ISBN 13

9781741963816

The Temple of Perfection

A History of the Gym

By: Eric Chaline

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The Temple of Perfection

A History of the Gym

By: Eric Chaline

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Page Count

274

Publisher

Reaktion Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1780234791

ISBN 13

9781780234793

Zen and the Art of Travel

By: Eric Chaline

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Zen and the Art of Travel

By: Eric Chaline

Zen is a spiritual journey that can transform and enrich our lives. Many of the great Zen masters were themselves world travelers, starting with Bodhidharma, who brought Zen from India to China in the sixth century. Divided into eight meditations, writer Eric Chaline examines how a deeper understanding of the Zen way of life can enrich every journey one takes, from a simple country ramble to an epic journey across the world.

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Page Count

324

Published Date

ISBN 10

1570716161

ISBN 13

9781570716164

Evolutionary History of the Primates

By: Frederick S. Szalay,Eric Delson

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Evolutionary History of the Primates

By: Frederick S. Szalay,Eric Delson

Evolutionary History of the Primates presents a documentation and analysis of the fossil record and evolutionary history of the primates to facilitate the understanding of the genealogy, adaptations, dispersal, and taxonomy of the order. The book consists of 13 chapters; each chapter is devoted to a specific genera or higher taxa of primates. The chapters contain available information on the morphology, relationships, and adaptations of primate groups. The book clarifies discussed points or documents interpretations, and it indicates the type of fossil material available for each taxon. The text will be valuable to many researchers and students who need a source of data and interpretations about fossil primates.

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Page Count

597

Publisher

Academic Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

1483289257

ISBN 13

9781483289250

French-American Relations

Remembering D-Day After September 11

By: Eric Touya de Marenne

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French-American Relations

Remembering D-Day After September 11

By: Eric Touya de Marenne

Contains interviews with French and American veterans of World War II conducted between August 2005 and May 2007, recalling the significance of D-Day and envisioning what paths both nations might need to take in a post-September 11th environment.

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218

Published Date

ISBN 10

0761839682

ISBN 13

9780761839682

Gay Planet

All Things for All (Gay) Men

By: Eric Chaline

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Gay Planet

All Things for All (Gay) Men

By: Eric Chaline

In the thirty years since the Stonewall Inn riots in New York City ushered in the modern era of the gay rights movement, gay culture has truly become out, proud, and international. Gay Planet is a celebration of and comprehensive guide to gay male culture around the globe. Lavishly illustrated with color and black and white photos, Gay Planet explores the major gay "meccas" from Fire Island to Mykonos, discusses the major circuit parties from Sleeze (Sydney) to Black and Blue (Montreal), and sex in all its many and various guises. In a more serious vein, Chaline also delves into the history of the gay movement, aspects of media, health, and politics around the globe, the struggle for equality in various countries, and a world survey of gay lifestyles and attitudes. Indispensible and fun, charming and insightful, this is the perfect gift and guide for every gay man as they continue to explore our out Gay Planet.

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Page Count

160

Publisher

St. Martin's Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0312253222

ISBN 13

9780312253226

Secret Heroes of World War II

Tales of Courage from the Worlds of Espionage and Resistance

By: Eric Chaline

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Secret Heroes of World War II

Tales of Courage from the Worlds of Espionage and Resistance

By: Eric Chaline

Many of the heroes of World War II are well-known, larger-than-life figures. This book is a tribute to the lesser-known but equally amazing individuals -- some working secretly behind the scenes on the home front and others behind enemy lines -- who made just as significant a contribution to the wartime story. It sheds new and timely light on more than 50 of the often unsung heroes and heroines of the world's most destructive war.

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224

Published Date

ISBN 10

143516251X

ISBN 13

9781435162518

Silver Nomad

Journeys and Places to Discover in Your Retirement

By: Eric Chaline

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Silver Nomad

Journeys and Places to Discover in Your Retirement

By: Eric Chaline

Here's an invitation to travel adventure for the over-50 set that describes 29 fascinating places around the world. The book divides travel sites according to seven themes: Romantic Liaisons, Active Breaks, Off-the-Track Adventures, Cities of Culture, Spiritual Retreats, Gastronomic Getaways, and Consumer Paradises.

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Page Count

150

Publisher

B.E.S. Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

0764159038

ISBN 13

9780764159039

The Book of Gods & Goddesses

A Visual Directory of Ancient and Modern Deities

By: Eric Chaline

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The Book of Gods & Goddesses

A Visual Directory of Ancient and Modern Deities

By: Eric Chaline

Discover a host of gods and goddesses, some of them familiar, others forgotten or unknown. Drawn from cultures around the globe, divided by region and fully illustrated. From Tiamat (the great mother goddess of the ancient Mesopotamianst) to Olorun (the "Owner of the Heavens" for the Yoruba people of Nigeria).

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Page Count

136

Publisher

Harper Collins

Published Date

ISBN 10

0060732563

ISBN 13

9780060732561

History's Lost Treasures

And the Secrets Behind Them

By: Eric Chaline

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History's Lost Treasures

And the Secrets Behind Them

By: Eric Chaline

From tales of pirates' buried loot to unearthed coin caches to myths of entire lost cities, few things capture the imagination more than lost treasure. 'History's Lost Treasures' is a collection of the world's greatest treasure stories - some found, some still waiting to be discovered, and some that may be lost forever. The text describes the fascinating background to each treasure - its history, its value, how, when, and where it was lost, and (where relevant) who found it again.

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Page Count

256

Publisher

Pier 9

Published Date

ISBN 10

1743361114

ISBN 13

9781743361115

Greece

In the Year 415 BCE

By: Eric Chaline

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Greece

In the Year 415 BCE

By: Eric Chaline

Combining the format of a guidebook with the content of a history, this book will show readers what it would have been like in Attica in the year 415 BCE, listing everything from how to buy a slave to where to get a room for the night.

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Page Count

160

Publisher

David & Charles Publishers

Published Date

ISBN 10

0715329197

ISBN 13

9780715329191

Strokes of Genius

A History of Swimming

By: Eric Chaline

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Strokes of Genius

A History of Swimming

By: Eric Chaline

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Page Count

330

Publisher

Reaktion Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1780238908

ISBN 13

9781780238906

Zen and the Art of Travel

By: Eric Chaline

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Zen and the Art of Travel

By: Eric Chaline

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324

Published Date

ISBN 10

1570716161

ISBN 13

9781570716164

Zen and the Art of Wellbeing

By: Eric Chaline

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Zen and the Art of Wellbeing

By: Eric Chaline

Zen is a spiritual journey that can transform and enrich our lives. This beautiful series introduces the reader to the deep and spiritual enjoyment of Zen that can be found in cooking, travel, gardening and everyday well-being. Zen and the Art of Well-Being is sure to motivate you into making simple and effective changes that will bring greater self-esteem, purpose and joy to your everyday life and relationships.

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Page Count

319

Published Date

ISBN 10

1840722258

ISBN 13

9781840722253

101 Dilemmas for the Armchair Philosopher

Such as is it Okay to Lie about Liking a Gift?

By: Eric Chaline

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101 Dilemmas for the Armchair Philosopher

Such as is it Okay to Lie about Liking a Gift?

By: Eric Chaline

In a democracy, should everyone - absolutely everyone - get a vote? Does it really matter if tigers become extinct? Why does murder carry a heavier penalty than attempted murder? If you don't like the socks your grandma gives you for Christmas, should you tell her so? This entertaining introduction to ethics will bring you face to face with some tough moral choices. It presents you with 101 imaginative scenarios - sometimes amusing, sometimes tragic and sometimes uncomfortably realistic - which will force you to re-examine your most cherished assumptions about right and wrong. Including: the torturer with a conscience; the lady who can prevent enormous suffering for the price of a latte; and the man who is handy with his fists but not a killer, surely." -- Back cover.

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