Muscle Power Congratulates

Amazing EARLE LIEDERMAN

The "Earle" of Hollywood and Muscledome

by Joseph Weider

The Editors of Your Physique Magazine had to write this congratulatory column, for we of Muscle Power Magazine have been cautioned more than once by "Earle" of Hollywood, that he would not tolerate any tribute to him in his magazine. He said, more than two years ago, when we first began this department, . . "Fellows, never insert anything about me in the Muscle Power Congratulates Department. Readers may feel that I am looking for glory, which I am not. In addition with so many deserving men to choose from, do me a favor and leave me out."

While we have always respected the wishes of Earle Liederman, we feel that the time has come when we should pay him the honor he so richly deserves for his lifetime of unselfish interest in the physical fitness of our nation. While those who know Earle well insist that he will never grow old, it still remains that he has been on this "mud ball" we call the earth, longer than most, so we want to say what we have to say NOW, while he is still able to answer us back if he wants to.

The name of Liederman goes back to the early 20's when Earle established his mail order business of selling cables, weights, books and courses. The possessor of rare business ability he was soon spending up to $500,000.00 a year in advertising and his name became a giant symbol of physical education. Millions enrolled as his pupils, making his mail order concern the largest in physical culture history. Even today, nearly every star strongman owes his start to Liederman, either as a pupil or as a result of being inspired in some manner by Liederman's words or kind deeds.

His interest in bodybuilding and healthful living has never waned. He has constantly given his best, sincerely, intelligently and honestly. His greatest concern has always been for the benefit of those who believed in him. He has never let them down and he has never been associated with any organization that did not hold these same principles as sacred as he.

His articles have helped millions. His writing style is individually unique, and no one can duplicate it, for Earle writes from the heart. Each week we receive many letters telling us how it was Earle's writing which gave beginners confidence and a desire to start a new and healthier life. The magnetic sincerity of all he writes removes all doubts from the minds of the uninformed and they soon join the happy ranks of bodybuilders.

Earle has had his share of hard knocks, set-backs and disappointments, through them all he had maintained a hopeful and healthful outlook towards life, accepting what it held in store for him with a wholesome philosophy. This has mellowed into a rare wisdom which the readers unconsciously absorb by studying his writing. After 40 years of hard work as a physical educator, he continues to strive for improvements and advancements in the field. He never loses his sincere interest in helping other muscle men, who even today look at one of his famous physique poses taken many years ago and say. . . "I wish I could look like that!"

We do not believe that the golden "muscle touch" of Liederman will ever die. It will glow forever, warming the hearts of all those who admire a healthy and strong body. That is why we congratulate Earle this month, for he had done so much for us all, and has asked to little in return, only looking for the feeling of personal satisfaction which comes from a job well done. We hope that he doesn't take us to task for writing this column about him, which he threatened to do if we ever printed one. Regardless what he does, we KNOW that every reader of our magazine joins us when we say. . . "Earle, the world loves you! We wish you many, many more years of active work in our field. YOU-are the real "Earle of MUSCLEDOM!"