Gymnastics: A Text-Book of the German-American System

The book that launched modern gymnastics, written by the German teacher known as the grandfather of the sport. It describes leaping, climbing, balancing and running exercises for schools, with copper plate illustrations.

J. C. F. GutsMuths

The 1862 bestseller that brought light gymnastics into American homes and schools. With 300 illustrations of exercises with dumbbells, wands, rings and beanbags for every age.

Dio Lewis

A richly illustrated 1885 guide to the classic gym apparatus: horizontal bar, parallel bars, vaulting horse, rings and tumbling. A great look at how 19th century gymnasts trained.

William B. Dick

A Victorian handbook from the All-England Series covering exercises on the bars, rings, horse and trapeze, with drawings that show each movement. A charming record of early competitive gymnastics.

A. F. Jenkin

The Danish system that made Niels Bukh famous, with flowing exercises for strength, flexibility and agility shown in photographs. A classic that still inspires modern mobility and floor work.

Niels Bukh