Nudism Books

Fortunately, I am lucky enough to have Chris as my ENGLISH professor at Elmhurst College this semester!! The book is a must for traveling to Jamaica's famed resort. Chris is the best.

I went to Hedo for the first time this year and was glad to learn more about the resort before I arrived. highly recommended!

We didn't finish the book because we found it completely unerotic and asexual. The author tells you for instance to bring safety pins to hold your toga in place and to bring toenail polish because the sand on the beach will wear it off. Wow!!! The stories told are all childish fun, but there's not a single one titillating. Puritan lack of sexuality. Boring.

I might never get the opportunity to go to Hedo, but I'm certainly prepared if I ever do! This book is just packed with tips and tricks of preparing for your trip. It's also full of crucial information regarding the not-so-well-known etiquette of getting wild and crazy with a bunch of like-minded folks. And the stories are just hysterical. So, even if a trip to Hedo isn't in your future, you can have a great time just reading Chris' book.

my fiance finished this book in one sitting and it took me two sittings. This book is a must have for anyone considering a trip to hedonism 2 (or three). and for those who aren't considering the trip it is still very well written and entertaining. over all well worth the purchase price.

Cinema Au Naturel may only be 288 pages long but it packs a lot of good information into those pages. Author Mark Storey became a fan of those corny old nudist movies of decades past (primarily the `30s to the `60s) and researched the subject. The result is an entertaining and informative book on exploitation filmmaking second to none. Along the way he covers censorship, the Golden Age of exploitation (including nudist) films, and what the courts had to say on the subject.

Storey breaks down the subject of nudist exploitation films into the following periods: classic, late, and contemporary. He then looks to what the future will bring to the genre. At the end, Storey lists his "top twenty" nudist films and explains his choices. You may not agree but Storey certainly backs up his words.

Is Cinema Au Naturel worth the purchase price? Definitely, especially if you're interested in nudist history. Nudist films, along with magazines, whatever the motivation for producing them, served as most folks' introduction to the world of nudism/naturism. Some were good emissaries, some merely tawdry excuses to show female flesh on the screen, but they did provide that first glimpse into a different, often misunderstood, world for many. Marl Storey has gone a long way toward filling in some of the gaps in nudist history with Cinema Au Naturel.

If history, or nudism/naturism, or films are among your interests, you'll find that Storey's book, Cinema Au Naturel, scores on all three levels.

Dr. P. Rapoport's review of this book is excellent. I agree this really is an amazing work and is well worth picking up for someone who is interested in clothing-free expression. I have found it truly invaluable in helping to organize a local film festival with others about naked freedom. I would like to give a review from the viewpoint of a non-naturist/nudist who is active in clothing-free advocacy on public lands.

Mark Storey is, without a doubt, the most qualified person to take on this project. He discusses nudist/naturist film and video within the context of naturism and nudism, and he goes beyond. He brings up many of the important issues and addresses them extremely well. The book is quite comprehensive and well-researched. For these reasons, this will be a tough act to follow. I finished the book feeling fully satisfied with such a comprehensive work.

There are significant works though which may exist outside of the nudist/naturist context which deserve serious discussion, perhaps in the broader context of clothing-free expression. Also, I would like to see that future editions include a DVD with excerpts from significant works.

I would take issue with his choice of "top-twenty" nudist films. I would agree that all of those listed are historically significant in the history of the development of nudism/naturism, but in the general context of clothing-free expression in film there is more out there of significance, and some of the latter might be much better suited for introduction to clothing-free freedom for one who is looking for something inspiring. The distinction should be made, perhaps there should be two lists.

My own recommendations for those looking for films that have significance in clothing-free expression that are not included in this book would include (and these can be found at http://www.bodyfreedom.org/guide/film.html): Naked States, by Arlene Donnelly Nelson; Naked World (released after this book), by Arlene Donnelly Nelson; Being Human, by Lisa Seidenberg; Burning Man Festival, by Joe Winston; among others out there.

Bottom line, get the book and also check out the videos above! Happy reading and viewing! :)

This book fills a big gap by engagingly bringing together much fascinating material. Readers will probably find it absorbing indeed, even if they have an interest in only part of the subject.

Of course, it helps to be curious about nudity. Is there someone who isn't? (Okay, no one has to admit it.)

Throughout Cinema au Naturel, Storey offers pointed but polite observations on films, nudity, sex, censorship, American socio-cultural history, and much more. He encapsulates the history of nudist films mostly within the exploitation genre (which may not mean what it seems) and expands definitions and connections to make it all fit seamlessly together. Along the way are welcome discussions of the MPAA and the infamous Hays Production Code from the 1930s, the history and theory of nudism in America and elsewhere, and the people behind nudist books and films, like authors and producers Jan Gay, Doris Wishman, Craven Walker, and Edin Velez.

Supplementing all this are illustrations. These are no grainy video stills -- but posters, covers, and other art of considerable historical value. Later in the book are recent color photos of nudists in various settings being as normal as can be. At the end is a selection of the "top 20" nudist films. And Storey indicates where to find this material.

Because most readers will be unfamiliar with them, much of the book describes what goes on in and behind many nudist films, from the early examples close to the turn of the 20th century, to a few only recently released. With a sharp eye and even sharper mind, Storey analyzes as he goes, never obtrusively but always lucidly, often with doses of quiet humor.

He doesn't shy away from controversy, whether over a film such as Peter's Day in the Sun, or over numerous governmental edicts to Rescue the Declining Morals of America. One state board censored references to pregnancy in a film, claiming that "the movies are patronized by thousands of children who believe that babies are brought by the stork, and it would be criminal to undeceive them."

That was 80 years ago. What has changed in body-phobic, hide-and-peek, protection-by-repression America? This book is a subtle exploration of that question among others.

For many, it's admittedly hard to distinguish nudity from sex, exploitation from information, and nudist films from porn. Over the course of this thoroughly researched and finely written book, those challenging complexities become life-affirming as they reflect, interact, and change. Far from a book only about film, Cinema au Naturel is that rare item, a splendid sorting out of a whole lot of things that matter.

This reference work provides critical reviews and in-depth background information on a wide range of motion pictures and videos concerned with nudity. Storey has zealously researched the subject and supplies many leads in the endnotes and appended filmography. The volume itself is profusely illustrated with black & white and color photos. These include cinematic stills, publicity graphics, and portraits of performers, directors, writers, etc. The dating of the titles which the author evaluates span from the first decades of the last century to our own day. For the most part, the works reviewed derive from England, the U.S., Germany and France. Included are fictional narratives as well as documentaries, arising out of contexts as varied as exploitation movie-making and pro-nudist proselytism. Storey is himself a naturist. His writing style is incisive, quick-paced, and at times humorous. He teaches philosophy at Bellevue Community College (Washington State) and is on the editorial staff of The Naturist Society journal.

As an owner of all of the Michael Boyd books in the series "Naked Places," I can report after reading the 5th edition, if you can find the 4th Edition, get it and keep it! The new 5th edition is a huge disappointment in its lack of U-S sites, lack of interesting pictures and overall content. The older third and fourth editions are better edited and have snappier pictures.
Get one while you can and skip the 5th!

This book (and its earlier editions) has been worth its weight in gold for finding clothing optional places in Hawaii, Italy, Key West and even locally here in the Phoenix area. Naked Places led me to what I think is the most gorgeous nude beach anywhere, that being Little Beach on the island of Maui. The photos in the book are very nice, but the descriptions are what really help the reader decide where they want to go. This is my Number One travel guide, as it should be for any man who likes to vacation naked and naturally.

As far as I am concerned, Naked Places is the best gay travel guide out there. True, this book zooms in precisely on my main travel interests, namely gay nude beaches and resorts. But what really impresses me is how amazingly detailed and well written this book is, and the amount of information is really awesome... TOP NOTCH! I have every edition of this book and Mr. Boyd continues to out-do himself with each updated version. I really appreciate the fact that the author has gone to the effort of explaining in detail the risks involved in going to certain "traditional" nude beaches where it is technically illegal to be naked. You can read the facts and then make an informed decision about what risks you are willing to take. One of the things I most like about this newest version is the fact that all photos are reader submitted. The photos are nice to look at (and they do show EVERYTHING) but do not look like posed model shots. You can really imagine seeing one of these guys at a nude beach! This is a terrific book, and if you've ever thought about going to a nude beach or staying at a gay resort with a "clothing optional" policy, this is your book.

Au Naturel provides a look at the naturist movement in Canada. From the viewpoint of an American, I found the book fascinating. Dr. James Woycke spares no detail in his unblinking look at Canadian nudism/naturism. He covers nudism (then - now the term "naturism" has been adopted) from its humble beginnings in Canada, province by province, following its growth up to the present. Not only is the writing meticulous in its detail, expected from someone with Ph.D. after his name, it's also quite readable.

The growth of nudism/naturism in Canada wasn't an easy one, to be sure. Similar to the trials and tribulations of American nudists, Canadians faced their share of legal and societal hassles. Dr. Woycke also notes the connection with America that Canadian parks often adopted and the movement to separate from that association.

At times, Canadian nudists/naturists themselves were part of the problem. Some of the incidents Dr. Woycke recounts in Au Naturel read like soap opera material! However, naturism eventually became established, paid its dues, and has become part of the fabric of Canadian society. In some ways, Canadians are more open about their naturism. The Four Seasons resort in Toronto has a sign on the highway that stats, "FOUR SEASONS NUDIST RESORT" in letters 61 centimetres high!

It's interesting to follow nudism/naturism's development in a country with roughly the same culture as America (except, perhaps, in Quebec), but with one-tenth the population.

I even give major points to the cover photo, for it shows a nude man (Dr. Woycke, I suspect) standing, with his back to the camera, surveying icebergs floating past his rocky vantagepoint. Now, that's bold - eh?

Woycke's book is the only developed discussion of the history of Canadian nudism available in English. He provides a detailed account of the development of nudist clubs and clothing-optional beaches across Canada. Not a naturist himself, he has no particular agenda, other than to present a scholarly and readable history of non-sexualized social nudity in Canada. The footnotes took up nearly half of the original manuscript, so the publisher decided to place them online free of charge, rather than to include them with the text. "Au Naturel: The History of Nudism in Canada" is on a par with Cec Cinder's "The Nudist Idea" from Ultraviolet Press. Together, they give an accurate and informative portrayal of the quirkly world of nudism in North America.

The Naked Child: Growing Up Without Shame is a wonderful reference for nudist families and parents, and those who are interested in the subjects of nudity and its effects on children's development. The authors present a lot of academic research study summaries to support their conclusions, and also include a number of anecdotal interviews. I feel that, at times, the anecdotal material is kind of contrived, but, overall, it gives the conclusions drawn (namely, that children's exposure to social nudity is not only not harmful, but is generally beneficial) a more "personal" ring to them. I've owned this book for many years, and I still frequently use it when compiling research on the topic myself.

An expose on exposure. Worth every penny. A must read for anyone searching for the genesis of how one group could create science and myth in a desperate grab for superiority.

Having been fortunate enough to actually see a live production of Nude on the Beach, I was thrilled to receive a copy of Theatre Au Naturel. I was amazed at how the writers could put so much emotional punch into a twenty-five minute play. The nudity, instead of being exploitive, highlighted the emotional vulnerabilities of the two characters in a tasteful way. I also enjoyed reading the other plays in the anthology and would recommend this book to anyone who loves theater.

Goodson delivers an excellent, unbiased review of the role that nudity plays in our lives. She refutes the widely held beliefs, and sheds some light on why people chose nudity. Unlike Dr. Joyce Brothers comments about nudity, Goodson's statements are based on research. Even the mental health community in the U.S. fears tackling the subject due to American religious taboos, but Goodson, in a well written manner, exposes our true reactions to nudity from ancient times, in developing cultures, and in the modern era. For example, what constitutes nudity, driving embarrassment, differs by culture. She also shows the role that nudity plays in therapeutic healing, and maintaining a joyous perspective. This book is a very good read, and a must for anyone curious about legitimate reactions under the clothing. But be careful, you may find yourself seeking a naturist/nudist resort after reading this book.

Robert Miskimon takes you on a journey into the world of the nudist. Learn just who these nudists really are, and what they care about. For instance, can you bring your camera to a nude beach? The answer may surprise you.

Through the pages of this ebook you will meet real nudists like Cheri, who tells of her first experience on a nude beach. "Naturism or nudism is about accepting yourself and others for who you are and not for what you look like, own or wear. We are doctors, lawyers, businessmen and women, kitchen workers, state employees, mothers, fathers, teens, infants, grandparents, your friends and neighbors. Nudism is the great human equalizer, with people of all ages, from infancy to people older than 70, communicating on the same level with no one judging others," Cheri explains.

From the prehistoric origins of nudism, to modern-day practices, Miskimon illustrates how this custom has evolved.

Many people have never heard that the original Olympic Games were played in the nude. You'll also enjoy reading how the early nudists in America had to struggle to exercise their preference to be unencumbered by clothing. It wasn't an easy lifestyle to establish, with some issues regarding nudists even being taken all the way to the Supreme Court.

You'll hear from important publications like the North American Guide to Nude Recreation, which states, "One reason why a nude lifestyle is so refreshing is that it delivers us temporarily from the game of clothes. It's hard to imagine how much clothing contributes to the grip of daily tensions until we see what it's like to socialize without them. Clothing locks us into a collective unreality that prescribes complex responses to social status, roles and expected behaviors. In shedding our daily 'uniforms', we also shed a weighty burden of anxieties. For a while, at least, we don't have to play the endless charade of projected images we call 'daily life.' For once in your life you are part of a situation where age, occupation and social status don't really count for much. You'll find yourself relating more on the basis of who you are really instead of who your clothes say you are."

Also included is a personal success story from Melissa, a victim of child abuse. Follow her journey out of fear and anxiety towards a feeling of body-acceptance and confidence, thanks to her support group without clothing. Her 'nude diary' chronicles her transformation from sexual victim to a leadership role in a newly-founded nudist club.

Beautiful photos throughout this book illustrate how luxurious and relaxing a nudist lifestyle can be, thanks to the images provided by Caliente Resort in Tampa, Florida. From nude tennis and volleyball to nude dining, swimming, exercise and massage, each photo shows just how enjoyable a nudist vacation can be for the traveler looking to unwind.

This ebook is chock full of first-time nudist stories, and also includes statistics and poll results to show the depth of support nudists receive in the general community. For instance, did you know a Martini and Rossi poll in 1990 reported that 35 percent of Americans would take off all their clothes on a nude beach? Or that tourist officials say requests for nude or topless beaches are among the top five priorities of international convention-goers? Read this book and you'll begin to understand why.

We are planning a trip in November 2008 to Hedo III and we are currently researching everything we can so we "know " what to expect.
This book tells everything there is to know about the atmosphere, the people,the drinks, etc - It mainly talks about Hedo II but I imagine it is much the same- and it gives a great insight as to the kind of people we should expect to meet.
Great reading and interesting pictures too.
Definately worth the read before you go.

Even though the new addition states that it has been updated to include Hedo 3, there are only a few short paragraphs dedicated to it. The majority is about Hedo 2, to which I have never been. This book made Hedo 2 seem like it is old and dirty, and that the guests are an older and less physically fit sort than traditionally would go to Hedo 3. Perhaps this is true; but to me the author portrayed the resort as not very upscale which turned me off. (At this point I was very glad that I had made reservations to Hedo 3 instead.) Too much of the book is dedicated to showing Hedo 2 guests how to scare the folks at the nearby Sandals resort with various displays of nudity directed to the unsuspecting prudes. (Trust me, that's not what I would waste my time with when I'm at Hedo!) I have been to Hedo 3 with Wild Women Vacations, and I have to say that it was an incredible experience. After reading this book, I don't think I'd even try to go to Hedo 2 at all. It really turned me off. Don't waste your time with this book: go to Hedo 3!

The book is excellent and a must read if you are considering a Hedo Vacation.

I have several friends that have been to Hedonism II (I haven't been there yet). They attest to the accuracy of the information in this book. It gives a lot of information that you would never find in a tourist review.

Ms. Santilli's book, The Naked Truth About Hedonism II, is a good cure for DIF (dreaded island fever or what you feel after returning home from the island).

The Naked Truth evokes the island and especially the resort of Hedo II. If you're a newbie, it's a must read to help get your feet wet. If you've been before, it's a wonderful reminder of why you love the resort ... plus you may read about or see some friends.

This is the must have book for those considering a visit to Hedonism II in Negril, Jamaica.