OP: Diet Does It

Samuel Curl, Inc., New York, 1944. Hardcover. Very Good Minus, no jacket. Ninth impression.

Hollywood nutritionist to the stars Gayelord Hauser (1895–1984) was a proponent of a whole foods diet with particular emphasis on the healing power of ingredients like brewer’s yeast, yogurt, and molasses. Like many in his profession, he was plagued with as many vocal dissenters calling him a quack opportunist as he was blessed with zealous adherents. It was the latter group that allowed him to enjoy a certain level of fame, which translated into a robust publishing career. 

Hauser’s 1944 book Diet Does It outlines his food philosophies, which stemmed from his own experience of allegedly being cured of tuberculosis through a regime heavy in fresh fruits and vegetables. Besides the health benefits of Hauser’s dietary direction, a follower would also expect to see improvements in physical beauty and youthfulness.

The book is heavier on Hauser’s scientific/pseudoscientific views, and, based on the handful of menus and recipes provided, deliciousness and enjoyment do not factor highly in his list of priorities.

This copy, lacking the jacket, is in Very Good Minus condition with slight toning to the page edges, a few closed tears, dogears, and penciled marginalia. The endpapers have been replaced, and the head and foot of the spine show repairs. Otherwise, the binding is sturdy; a nice reading copy. Later printing.