Beautiful and powerful, Strong Like Her presents the awe-inspiring account of women's athleticism throughout history.
Journalist Haley Shapley takes us through the delightful untold history of female strength to understand how we can better encourage—and celebrate—the physical power of women.
Part group biography, part cultural history, Strong Like Her delves into the fascinating stories of our muscular foremothers. From the first female Olympian (who entered the chariot race through a loophole) to the circus stars who could lift their husbands above their heads and make it look like "a little light housework with a feather duster," these brave and brawny women paved the way for the generations to follow.
Filled with Sophy Holland's beautiful portraits of some of today's most awe-inspiring athletes, Strong Like Her celebrates strength in all its forms. Illuminating the lives and accomplishments of storied female sports stars—whose contributions to society go far beyond their entries in record books—Shapley challenges us to rethink everything we thought we knew about the power of women.
Author(s): Haley Shapley
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2020
Language: English
Pages: 352
Tags: A Celebration of Rule Breakers, History Makers, and Unstoppable Athletes womens
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. THE ORIGINAL WARRIORS:
Ancient Depictions of Strength
2. THE OUTLIERS:
Victorian-Era Women Who Walked on the Wild Side
3. SINK OR SWIM:
Strength as a Means of Survival
4. THE SANDWINA EFFECT:
Strongwomen, the Circus, and Suffrage
5. BEACH BABES:
Pudgy Stockton and the Crowd-Pleasing Ladies of Muscle Beach
6. UNLADYLIKE:
When a Babe Is Not Considered a Babe
7. BREAKING INTO THE BOYS’ CLUB:
Running toward Opportunity
8. A WOMAN’S PLACE IS IN THE WEIGHT ROOM:
The Rise of Strength Sports in the ’70s
9. A BUILT BODY:
When Muscles Are Required to Shine
10. FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION:
How Body Expectations Are Born
11. THE POWER WITHIN:
How Outer Strength Breeds Inner Confidence
12. STRONG(H)ER THAN YESTERDAY:
The Modern Athlete and the Fight for Equality
AFTERWORD
Acknowledgments
Athlete Bios
About the Author
Notes
Historical Photo Credits
Portrait Credits