The New Gymnastics for Men, Women, and Children

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

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

Graded lessons from the North American Gymnastic Union for teaching free exercises, apparatus work and games in schools. Shows how the German Turner tradition shaped physical education in America.

W. A. Stecher

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