WORLD GUIDE TO NUDE BEACHES & RECREATION...

WORLD GUIDE TO NUDE BEACHES & RECREATION by Lee Baxandall (N Editions: $12.95, illustrated). This new edition of the popular guide provides directions to dozens of beaches, hot springs, etc. where visitors who want to avoid tan lines can do so without harassment. Although the text occasionally degenerates into inanities, including mentions of “Garbist” prejudice, the directions to the various sites are scrupulously detailed. Baxandall argues that nudism is an innocent pleasure rather than a salacious experience, and much of his prose reads like a half-time pep talk. However, the reader can’t help wondering why he included these photographs if he’s anxious to recruit new followers to his cause: Virtually all the models could stand to lose about 10 pounds and start going to the gym more regularly.