Problem scenario
You read in the book The Strongest Shall Survive by Bill Starr that deadlifts do not need to be part of a workout routine (or strength building program). Why is this?
Solution
Apparently it is geared toward football conditioning, and it was minimalistic to emphasize other lifts/exercises. (To read more, see this external posting.)
This is a rare but influential book. Many modern barbell programs include deadlifts.