Starting Strength (2nd edition)

If you're interested in coaching or performing the main strength/power lifts (squat,bench,deadlift,overhead press,power clean), gaining weight or getting stronger, get this book.

This is a must buy for the beginner.

Amazon is full of books filled with before and after pictures of little weeds who gained 200lbs of pure muscle in 7 days of training. They are all fads.

This book is about lifting free weights until you get good at it. I've been doing nothing but what this book says for months and I've had nothing but gains both in terms of weight lifted and physical appearance.

Utter quality. If you'd sooner buy the fad books go for it. This is a true weight lifting bible.

A must for anyone serious about getting the basics of barbell training right. A direct no nonsense approach to technique that will have a novice starting well and the experienced lifter adjusting their form to increase their lifting ability.

I have read a lot of sources on the subject of strength training and weightlifting and this book is the clearest, most comprehensive book written for the layperson I have come across.
Coach Rip explains the fundemental reasoning behind the form that he teaches for each excercise and keeps the focus on safe and effective strength training.
Whether you are a beginner to the world of barbell exercises, or an experienced veteran, this book will give you the tools to be a safer and more efficient lifter or give you some important coaching points that will make you a better trainer.
I highly recommend this book to the anyone with an interest in strength training.

This is the most no BS books I have ever read! The authors really put things into perspective and don't just try to sell their views. Great starter for the self-educated and young coaches like myself! Great job.