An Original “Return to Life” Book- Inscribed to Nat Fleischer
I was beyond thrilled to add this special, original copy of Return to Life Through Contrology to my collection of archival pilates memorabilia. Especially because it was inscribed to the one and only Nat Fleischer!
Nat Fleischer is very famous in the world of boxing- in particular for his major contributions to recording the history of boxing through his own books and through his dedication to The Ring Magazine.
He was also a close friend of Joseph Pilates, and was likely one of the main reasons why Joe permanently moved to the US in 1926. Fleischer is known to have been the person who “discovered” Joseph Pilates in Germany beforehand, and who helped Joe come here and even who originally set him up with his apartment and studio at 939 8th avenue.
The handwritten dedication in this book reads, “To: Nat Fleischer with homage to a great man and devotion to a dear friend. Joe and Clara.”
Interestingly, the inscription appears to have been written by Clara Pilates and not Joe himself.
Image first shared 6/11/25.
In 1958, Nat Fleischer wrote a fascinating account of meeting Joe Pilates in Germany to become acquainted with boxer Max Schmeling. The person in the story, Arthur Buelow, was Max’s manager. Images first shared on August 25, 2022.
Not directly related to pilates but interesting nonetheless, the ship manifest for Max Schmeling and Arthur Buelow, which says they arrived in the US in 1928 and planned to stay with Nat Fleischer. Image first shared on August 25, 2022.
Relates Topics: Joe Pilates Articles