Craig Monson: OG Bodybuilding Legend

Highlights what is a relatively unknown figure to the modern public who had a big impact on the bodybuilders of his time, and even on current icons like Danny Trejo and CT Fletcher.It's a perfect, concise read which explains Craig's training and growth up through the penal system into ~mainstream bodybuilding. While focusing on Craig's story in the foreground, Josh and Adam do an excellent job of drawing connections to the wider events happening in American culture in the background such as the civil rights movement, the growth of LA gang culture, the development of the modern prison system, and the ascension of bodybuilding into a mainstream American sport.And at every step, they dive into the insane training routines that the man was using to get one of the most massive upper-bodies of his time. A fun book.

I became a fan of Craig Monson through the grapevine of social media and YouTube. Beyond the hard bodied OG was a story I always wanted to know. This book not only answered everything I wanted to know about Craigs background/success, but most importantly shed light on what Frederick Douglas said. “If there is no struggle there is not progress.”Many raw talent goes unseen in this time of “overnight” mass media popularity. This book became very refreshing because of its original stories and glorifying roots hidden in the rugged streets of LA. Craig Monson proved that when it all comes down to it, reputation, self-respect, knowledge, humility, and how you carry yourself holds WAY more value than our accolades & achievements.Brother Craig, thank you for inspiring me to continue my dreams thru the strife in my life. Thank you for reminding me to being my best myself and keep living my purpose. Most of all, THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU.Keep shining light on the world OG!Respect ✊🏾👑

This book entry is long overdue. If you are a fan of muscle beach (Venice, CA) and bodybuilding you need to know of Craig Munson. You can't read about Arnold, Sergio, Lou Ferigno (The Hulk) or the greats like Steve Reeves without Munson. Why? Without Munson you lose a serious link. Ever heard of Robbie (The Black Prince) Robertson? Ever seen a photo of Stanley Tookie Williams? Monster Kody Scott at his height? Perhaps Leroy Colbert the first with 22 inch arms. If these names elude you then you need to go back and check them out and Munson belongs with ALL of them.

This book is what movies are made of. I wanted someone to document his life after hearing about him. This book documented his life in stages, while keeping the reader interested. If you like Tijuana Barbell club you will love this. I have almost all of the books from this author and this is tops. You will feel you know Craig after this read.

I grew up in the era of Craig Munson. Craig was like the Batman or super hero everyone heard about but rarely ever saw in real life. He was a few years older than I was so we ran in different circles. His book brings out a lot of history and really goes deep into his workout routines and training which is what I was after. A good book overall.

As a serious iron driver myself I love every bit of the book, this is his true history no lies at all, very well written and filled in a lot blanks and cleared untold facts about how the Crips really got started, it's a definite read if you love lifting weights and love learning about true history then you'll love this story of the man, the myth, the legend himself Mr Craig Monson.👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽✊🏽💪🏽

Another must-read book from Josh Bryant! "Inspiring" doesn't even begin to cover it! Josh has a gift for bringing legend's stories to the forefront, and creating a passion for training in the process. A truly remarkable book about a truly remarkable man, Craig Monson. This is a no holds barred biography that will leave you ravenous to hit the iron.

Informative, educational, motivating, and entertaining !!!!

Pour qui apprécie le bodybuilding pur et dur des années 70/80 c'est un ouvrage indispensable à lire et conserver dans sa bibliothèque.Graig Monson s'est construit "à l'ancienne" et ce livre contient beaucoup d'anecdotes intéressantes et liste les routines d'entrainement de Graig. Quelques photos, dont certaines inconnues pour moi, ajoutent à l'attrait de ce livre.Excellent.

Interressant.

Brilliant story of an unheralded legend. Looked into Craig Monson online after and everything said is true, he was a BEAST.Brilliantly written book, so much so I’m going to make my way through all of Josh Bryant’s books!

Beautiful book with highly inspiring stories which also imparts wisdom that do the best you can in any given situation

Someone I have never heard about who deserves all the credit for a cultural revolution: Craig Monson.Inspiring life journey and demonstration of what hard training does.It's awesome to see how someone through determination and discipline can face obstacles and achieve what they desire.