Every now and then, a book comes along that is a classic on men and fatherhood. Such a book is The Relentless War on Masculinity: Does It Ever End? by David Maywald. The book was featured and released on our historic IMD 9-hour global podcast on International Men’s Day, 19 November 2025.

Nathaniel Marsh, new CEO of Dads4Kids, has covered David’s book here on The Daily Dad when it was first released. All along, I felt I needed to do my own review of this book, which I believe is a much-needed classic for the global men’s and fathers’ movement.

When I looked up the definition of the word ‘classic’, I found three words that best explain why this book is indeed in that genre. The ‘Relentless War on Masculinity’ as a book is best described as a ‘definitive and memorable masterpiece.’

I am not the only one to think this. Andrew Gray, host of The Man Show on YouTube, wrote: “The Relentless War on Masculinity is a courageous and necessary book for our time. David Maywald doesn’t just illuminate what has gone wrong – he illuminates a path forward built on balance, truth, and collaboration…  This is a must-read book for anyone committed to building a culture where men rise, women thrive, and our children inherit a world grounded in truth and mutual respect.” Watch Andrew’s brilliant interview with David Maywald below.

As someone who is passionate for men in the context of mothers, fathers and children, I looked through my rather large collection of books about men and fatherhood. After careful consideration, I put David Maywald’s book in my ‘top ten list of classic books on men and fatherhood’ of all time.  All have different reasons for being on the top ten list, but they are all classics and range from the most recently published.

Starting from old to new, first on my list of classics is Maximised Manhood by Dr Edwin Louis Cole, which was released in 1982 and sold 4 million copies worldwide. My third book, Iron John by Robert Bly, was released in 1990, sold millions and was 62 weeks on The New York Times bestsellers.

The sixth book on my list of the top ten men and fathers classics is ‘Wild at Heart’, by John Eldredge, which has sold over 7 million copies worldwide since its release in 2001. I would like to see David’s book do just as well.

Please find my list of the Top 10 Classic Books on Men and Fatherhood below, and where you can buy them. My suggestion with David Maywald’s book is to read it yourself and make your own judgement. If you like it, tell others about it because together we can make a difference.

Top 10 Classic Books on Men & Fatherhood

The Relentless War on Masculinity: Does It Ever End – David Maywald (2025). Combining data-driven analysis with heartfelt advocacy, David calls for a new social contract: one where boys are supported, men are respected, and both sexes work together to create a healthier future for us all. ORDER HERE

The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling & What We Can Do About It – Warren Farrell (2019). A comprehensive blueprint for what parents, teachers, and policymakers can do to help our sons become happier, healthier men, and fathers and leaders worthy of our respect. ORDER HERE

Fathered By God: Learning What Your Dad Could Never Teach You – John Eldredge (2009). New York Times best-selling author unveils the six stages men must complete to become who God designed them to be. In this life-changing book, men discover the true path to manhood. ORDER HERE

Tender Warrior: Every Man’s Destiny, Every Woman’s Dream – Stu Weber (2006). A long-standing classic emphasising courageous, Christ-centred male character and leadership — often used in men’s retreats and discipleship groups. ORDER HERE

Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul – John Eldredge (2001). Arguably the most influential book on masculinity in recent decades, challenging men to embrace purpose, courage, and adventure rooted in their identity in Christ. ORDER HERE

Fathering from the Fast Lane: Practical Ideas for Busy Dads – Bruce Robinson (2001). This book presents practical and straightforward ways for fathers to rearrange their busy lives and spend more time with their children. The most practical book on fatherhood I have ever read. ORDER HERE

The Myth of Male Power: Why Men are the Disposable Sex – Warren Farrell (1993). A foundational book in the global men’s movement arguing that societal structures disadvantage men in crucial ways. Warren Farrell is the leading voice for men and boys the world over. ORDER HERE

Iron John: A Book About Men – Robert Bly (1990). Seminal mythopoetic work that helped launch the modern men’s movement by exploring masculinity through Jungian archetypes and myth. Full of fascinating insights: ORDER HERE

Healing the Masculine Soul – Gordon Dalbey (1988 – New Edition 2003). Focuses on restoring authentic masculinity through Christ, addressing sexuality, work, marriage, and identity. Breakthrough book quoted by Robert Bly in Iron John. ORDER HERE

Maximized Manhood: A Guide for Family Survival – Edwin Louis Cole (1982 – New Edition 2001). Dr Edwin Louis Cole, known as “the father of the Christian men’s movement,” was not afraid to tackle the tough topics that affect men today. Helping men realise their full potential in Christ. ORDER HERE

Lovework

David Maywald, author of ‘The Relentless War on Masculinity,’ wants our help to make a better world for men and boys and all humanity. Please fill in this brief survey, which will rank the top three issues for men and boys during 2026. It’s an opportunity for you and me to shape the advocacy for men and boys across Australia. This will take less than three minutes to complete.

PS1: Last week, my wife and I created a video to encourage people to take the challenge to read the Bible through from cover to cover this year. Watch it here. Whether you have faith or not is not the point; the Bible is arguably the foundational text for Western civilisation and the greatest book in existence. Read our article here.

PS2: Seize the opportunity for a new beginning this new year. If you’re a new dad, a more experienced dad, a single dad, or a grandad, you’re invited to be part of Dads4Kids’ Courageous Online Fathering Course. The next course starts Tuesday evening, 27^th January 2026. Click here to find out more.

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Image courtesy of Vecteezy.