An extensive collection of magazines that explore all aspects of nudism including philosophy, lifestyles, camps, and societal issues.
Cover of American Nudist Leader Magazine, April 1955.
Collection Overview
Titles include American Sunbather, American Nudist, American Nudist Leader, Nudism Today, Sunbathing Annual, Sunbathing Review, Sun Love, and a number of foreign titles.
Nudism, or naturism, has been practiced by various groups of people in various forms for centuries. In more recent times, the practice can be traced to Germany in the early 20th century. Most such groups espouse a philosophy that being clothed is an inherently un-natural state and that being nude promotes harmony with nature. The terms “nudism” and “naturism” are most often associated with social nudity, almost always without any sexual connotation. In fact, the naturist lifestyle is often promoted as a wholesome activity for the entire family.
The collection was donated to St. Lawrence by William Hull of Canton in 2006.