Bonomo Ritual: How to beautify your bust contour
New York, New York: The Bonomo Culture Institute, 1956. An illustrated guide for American women on how to improve and beautify your bust, with the promotion of celebrity trainer and bodybuilder Joe Bonomo. Bonomo (1901-1978) was a strongman and stunt performer who took Hollywood by storm and made a fortune off self-help diet and exercise guides and courses in the 1940s and 1950s. This particular booklet, published in 1956, offers the following content: exercises to improve bust size and profile; information on bust anatomy and the importance of posture; how to correct posture; diet and nutrition advice ("NOT A SINGLE ONE OF THE GLAMOUR GIRLS EATS AS SHE LIKES"); a calorie and nutrition chart; ideal weight and proportions charts; and an "ABC's of brassieres" section with advice for choosing flattering undergarments. Note the last section on "other methods of bust control" which includes "mechanical devices", "creams and lotions", massage, hot and cold therapy, and "plastic surgery" (!). The booklet is interspersed with words of encouragement from Joe. A fascinating look into the pressures women faced at this time to conform to an often unreachable beauty standard, and how powerful men benefitted commercially from their insecurities. No doubt the catalyst to many an eating disorder. Single vol. (11" by 8.5"), pp. 64, illus., in original pink and black printed wrps with photo of glamour girl on front. Offered together with 6" by 3.5" color illustrated folded pamphlet advertising "Perma-lift" brand brassieres. Very good. Light dust soiling, a couple nicks.
Price: $125.00
Item #23001917