Eva: Men's Adventure Supermodel (Men's Adventure Library)

I am a huge fan of the books Bob Deis and Wyatt Doyle have edited, all of them devoted to the strange and wonderfully lurid world of “men’s adventure magazines”, a low-cultural, primarily-American phenomenon which lasted a bare twenty years starting in the mid-1950s, reaching its high point in the early-to-mid-1960s, and finally sputtering out in the early 1970s. But what a ride. Try to imagine the polar opposite of the venerable New Yorker, then add Nazis, evil Japanese devil dolls, fiendish Commie torturers, hopped-up bikers, and lots and lots of barely-clothed babes either in distress or causing great distress, and you have some idea of what these magazines were all about. Previous volumes in “The Men’s Adventure Library” have been devoted to particular themes (e.g., evil Commie Cubans, the aforementioned hopped-up bikers, Big Foot and his imaginary brethren, etc.), or to particular writers and artists, but this book, as the title so succinctly indicates, tells the story of the top female model of the genre, the beautiful (and still very much living) Eva Lynd. For the first time in their books, Deis and Doyle take a back-seat to the verbal narrative and let Eva herself tell the story in her own words, and what a delightful voice and style she has! She takes us from her early days as a photo model and aspiring actress in 1950s New York and then into the real meat of the book, her heyday as a model for dozens of men’s adventure covers and interior illustrations, working with two of the best artists in the field, Norm Eastman (strictly cover paintings) and Al Rossi (interior illustrations). A sampling of the titles she brought to life with these two great artists will give you a good idea of what awaits you: “Squirm in Hell, My Lovely Muchacha”, “Night of the Nude Nymph”, “The French Dynamite Dolls Who Blasted the Nazis” (not to be confused with “The Passion Decoys Who Blasted the Nazis”, and “The Last Battle of the Joy Girl Brigade” – all of these tales historically “true” of course, heh heh. But don’t worry, Eva assures us that no bondage or mayhem occurred in the artists’ studios, and that both Eastman and Rossi were strictly professional gentlemen, as was her frequent co-star, the even more amazingly prolific model Steve Holland, he of the steely frame and steelier jaw. This fully-illustrated book is an excellent addition to the men’s adventure canon, and would also serve as a great introduction to newcomers to this endlessly fascinating genre. Get this book, and if you’re a guy, expect to grow a few more hairs on your chest by the time you’ve finished it.

Loved the format of this book. Really read like a brief but well illustrated autobiography. Most of it is in Eva's own words. Very clear, simply stated, totally honest, "down to earth". Her comments about her life were rendered in such a way that you felt she was talking directly to you -- at least I did. There's no false pretension about her presentation at all. The book features plenty of photos of her pin up modeling days plus numerous magazine covers that she was the model for. For a fan of the Men's Adventure Magazine genre this is a special treat or even if your fan of the old pin up days, you won't be disappointed. I think the publishers, Bob Deis and Wyatt Doyle, along with Ms. Lynd, did an exceptional job putting this book together. If you're the kind of guy who digs those old time cheesecake pics along with those titillating "women in peril" covers of bygone days then brother you'll want to get this one.

A somewhat different book from New Texture this time, focusing on the life and modelling and film work of Eva Lynd. Of course this is a book that will interest fans of Vintage Men's Action Magazines, but Eva's professional life also intersected with the world of commercial Illustration Art and Hollywood and more. Eva was most active during the 'Mad Men' (Don Draper) era of New York City. She traveled between the worlds of Advertising, Bettie Page-ish Pin Up Photography, Greenwich Village and Beatniks, 1950's New York Drama, Fashion and Illustration Modelling etc etc. Anyone interested in the New York of that era will probably find the book a gold mine. Vintage paperback collectors note that she was the model for a lot of paperback covers as well. Well researched and with great art. Maybe a Netflix series based on her life!?!? Thanks again.

Some actresses rocket to instant stardom, others never get a real break... and then there are that rare handful, like Betty Page, whose true impact on modern culture only becomes clear in retrospect once the total body of their work can be examined. A constant presence in film, TV and magazine covers throughout the 50s and 60s, Eva Lynd's career as a working actress and artists model was not particularly unique... indeed, it was one that was paralleled by that of thousands of other young women toiling in the Hollywood system. However, that doesn't make her story any less interesting or her accomplishments less impressive. A fascinating look at both one woman's journey and the evolution of the entertainment industry in general, EVA LYND - MEN'S ADVENTURE SUPERMODEL is a fantastic introduction to a screen icon whose name you never knew.

The Men's Adventure Library has released a number of books that I've purchased and enjoyed. Each book provides a look at a particular genre of fiction that is virtually non-existent now. Fortunately Bob Deis and his partner Wyatt Doyle have revitalized this nearly forgotten corner of "men's stories" through their classy, professionally produced books. 'Eva: Men's adventure Supermodel' may be their best book yet. By now, readers of the Library are used to each book showcasing crystal clear photography, vibrant color and moody black and white illustrations. What sets 'Eva' apart is that the book's subject, Eva Lynd is your guide through every page, sharing her recollections of her life and career in a warm, friendly manner. Hundreds of beautiful photos, insightful text and memorable illustrations make this a book that should be on the shelf of every fan of Men's Adventure publications.

Glad I got it in hardback. Robert Deis and Wyatt Doyle do great work putting out their MensPulpMags books. Loads of photos and covers. Interesting information on being a working model in 50s-60s-70s.

If you were going to name two models that represent this era, it would be Bettie Page and Eva Lynd. This book is a chronicle of one of the greatest stars to sit before a lens!

Being an artist, & long time fan of the kitschy men’s adventure mags of yore - I really enjoyed this little paean to the gorgeous model who posed for many of the titillating artworks that characterized the genre. Eva Lynd emerges as a multifaceted woman of great charm, beauty, & intelligence as she shares stories about aspects of her long career in modelling and acting over the course of her life. The book is profusely illustrated w/ photos of Eva from her various photo-shoots as a pin-up model in men’s mags (but no nudes!) - as well as her painted image as a suffering heroine on the covers of numerous lurid men’s adventure magazines (MAMs). Dozens of artworks by noted MAM illustrators Norm Eastman & Al Rossi are reproduced in Color and B&W with some nice detail blow-ups. My favourite part of such books is where there is info about the artist’s “process” and this volume provides some great examples showing the ‘reference’ photo(s) of Eva next to the finished artwork. Most of the text appears to have been written by Eva herself - as she provides anecdotes about her work and the people she worked with. The print quality of the book is fine - matte white paper - and nice graphic layout with well sized images. I purchased the ‘paperback’ version of the book that focuses primarily on Eva’s MAM modelling & acting careers w/ a 111 page count. There is also a more deluxe ‘hard-cover’ edition of 186 pages that apparently delves into other areas of Eva’s life - it is considerably more expensive. Can’t comment on what it covers - but - if U. R looking for the MAM stuff - this is a great source work of transgressive art and an interesting read!