Beyond the Universe: The Bill Pearl Story

A good book about the start of the era of modern bodybuilding.Could not put it down . Would greatly recommend

I met Bill Pearl at his Medford, Oregon store a couple of decades ago when I bought his book, Keys to the Inner Universe. When I bought Beyond the Universe, I wanted to learn more about Bill Pearl the man and more about the world of bodybuilding in the pre-Arnold era. Beyond the Universe was thinly informative, but well illustrated with pictures from Bill Pearl's life. If you are looking for an in-depth training book about the do's and don'ts of bodybuilding, Beyond the Universe is not be the one for you. I suggest that you buy his book, The Keys to the Inner Universe, which may also be the best book for an introduction to vegetarian bodybuilding. However, if you are looking for a more general, narrative style, coffee table book about Bill Pearl, the pre-Arnold bodybuilding period and his legacy, Beyond the Universe is the book for you. The best part of this book, though, is the realistic yet positive world view of humankind, which permeates Beyond the Universe. Bill Pearl would be the kind of person you would be happy run into at the supermarket, to have as a neighbor, or to have a cup of tea or coffee with at a coffee shop. He is as likeable in his book as the man I met a couple of decades ago. However, the best memory I have of Bill Pearl is that once I wrote a letter to him to express how much I liked one of his books and he wrote a very nice note in return. I have met some of the bodybuilders mentioned in Beyond the Universe, and most of them are pretty narcissistic and self-centered. Not Bill Pearl and that is one of the main reasons I liked this book.

This was a very fun and easy read. Bill Pearl was given little but obtained much. He was one of the greatest natural or very close to natural bodybuilders in the world. His success hasn't spoiled him. He is known for his endearing personality. He is not your average meathead. He knows the science of nutrition and anatomy relating to this great sport and authored the definitive work on this topic.

This book,by Pearl,is a celebration of his life.But much was missing I feel,there was no real mention of the change of wife [did the first one die,or divorce?],and was hoping to hear his account of buying Equipose [a steroid] from a vet and trying it out.The book is great,but any mention of anything less than happy is not mentioned,this is not to say I bought the book looking for dirt,I didn't,but much was left out,and a little less backslapping and more reality would not be amiss.

Solid overall depiction of Bill Pearl's life. I thought the book was interesting, although the chapters do bounce around a bit but they are short and able to easily read. Less about training specifics and more about his life in general. I think I need to check out Keys to the Inner Universe next for more training stuff.

A very authentic look of one man background and the results of bodybuilding. The format of this book consist of many photographs which along with the text discloses the Bill Pearl universe quite well. The bio in itself is an easy read with so many photos it doesn't take long to finish reading all about Pearl's life journey as a bodybuilder.The reason I bought this book is because I have come across Bill Pearl in so many other books. So cleary here is a person who like Jack LaLane- who been involved in fitness for a fairly long time. A good role model for anyone serious about staying fit. A excellence compliment to add to anyone's library.

Many years ago I read Keys to the Inner Universe and the thing I enjoyed the most was the simple wisdom found tucked away inside this book on body building.. This book expands upon that in a discontinuous series of anecdotes that roughly sketch out his life and career. Its sort of like sitting on the porch listening to your grandfather (once you've gotten to the age where you can really appreciate such a thing) I think most people who enjoy stories about accomplished figures would enjoy this book. Its not high literature and not a comprehensive tome but enjoyable and informative.

Learning about Bill in Zane's biography was inspiring enough. I used his command and respect on stage to win my class at the 2013 Northern Kentucky.I was taught so much so quickly reading this book, I can now place Bill above Arnold as the greatest and will silently celebrate the 60th Anniversary of his win at the Murat in June by myself. You are such an inspiration Bill Pearl, I am going to be in awe of you forever.Thanks for showing how fulfilling bodybuilding and reminding me to not neglect the most important things in life, my family.

Excellent book! Historical background on the Great Bill Pearl Mr. Universe and slayer of the Mr. Olympia’s. I really enjoyed all the photos and stories behind the man.

Great book, nicely presented and high quality

I lovely historical capture of one of the fathers of fitness and body building

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This book takes the reader on a amazing journey that is like no other, Bill Pearl is a one off character who is multi faceted as well as beating all the greats on the bodybuilding stage, the book had me laughing, crying and glued to each paragraph, so glad of purchasing it, the book delivers everything and more, bravo to the icon that is Bill Pearl!!!