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"Books are the metempsychosis; the symbol and presage of immortality.
The dead are scattered, and none shall find them; but behold they are here."
H.W. Beecher

The IHPRA receives many emails asking for recommended historical readings. This and coming newsletters will feature some great resources you can search for on Abebooks, Ebay and other sites. A comprehensive understanding of physical training must include the study of historical methods, materials and motivators. Here are a few important sources.

The Wasted Generation by COL. George Walton. 1965.	Walton was at ground zero of selective service in the late-1950 and early-1960s.
Best Methods of Teaching Gymnastics by William G. Anderson. 1896.	Rare book, and can be expensive. A bargain at less than $50. Sells for up to $500. Anderson was a pioneer in American physical training.
History of Physical Education by Fred Leonard. 1922 - 1947. Several editions.	This is a great history source filled w/leads for future research.
Innovators and Institutions in Physical Education by Ellen Gerber. 1971	Highlights the lives of physical training pioneers from Plato forward.
Pedagogy of Physical Training by C. Ward Crampton. 1925.	Great tips on mass exercise training.
Gymnastics in the Schools by James Baley. 1975.	700 photos and 500 gymnastics tumbling/stunts. Purely functional.
Special Kinesiology of Educational Gymnastics by Baron Nils Posse. 1890, 1894.	The old Swedish system was filled with innovations. This is the primary source for the early USA system. Make sure your copy has the foldout in a pocket on the inside back cover.
Gymnastics - German American System North American Gymnastics Union by William Stecher. 1895, 1896, and perhaps later.	This is the early German gymnastics system. Filled with training wisdom. Becoming increasingly more difficult to find.
Gymnastic Hand-Book by J.G Thulin. 1947 and perhaps other editions.	Published abroad in English. Great resource