Twenty academics and researchers from the U.S., Canada, and Australia contribute 12 chapters offering a variety of viewpoints and analytical strategies examining the concept of the muscular ideal. Coverage includes the complexity of appearance ideals, in general, and the muscular ideal, in particular; the role of history and social influences; the need to rethink conventional measures of body image; the importance of understanding biological and side effects of current and potential appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs; the critical need for prevention and treatment methods for clinical disturbance, such as body dysmorphia and steroid abuse; and the social, biological, and psychological influences that drive the pursuit of the muscular ideal. For sport and health psychologists, clinical and counseling psychologists, and graduate students in psychology, sociology, gender roles, and health and sport science courses. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)