This is a rare unread vintage and out of print copy of Physique: The Life of John S. Barrington written by Rupert Smith (Author) and published and distributed by Serpent's Tail in 1996. This softcover book is 240 pages long and Illustrated with over 100 black and white photographs measures 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches. Cover shows wear, see photos for condition.

“In the bomb-blasted streets of wartime London, an eccentric figure stalked through the blackout sporting a monocle, long hair, a malacca cane and a camera slung round his neck. In a brightly-lit underworld of cafés and bars he chased the soldiers, sailors and airmen adrift in the West End looking for love and a bed for the night. He befriended them, seduced them - and photographed them."

Over the following decades, John S Barrington established himself as a pioneer of physique photography - the genteel forerunner to the porn explosion of the 70s.

Physique: The Life of John S Barrington recalls bohemian life in London, Paris and New York, the outlandish and illegal schemes that often ended in prison, and a series of strange friendships with celebrities from Coward and Cocteau to Lennon and Bob Marley.

Due to recent delivery issues with the USPS I now ship all magazines, digests and paperback books via Priority Mail. $100 of insurance is included in this price. I’m selling my collection of vintage 1950-1980s gay pulp paperback novels, pictorial & hardcore magazines, physique photography, magazines, artwork & other LGBTQ ephemera.