a Features unforgettable color photographs by Steve Haworth, the foremost body modification artist in the United States.

a Introduces a subculture that has gone far beyond the realm of simple tattooing.

Acts of body modification are deeply rooted in physical impulses that are obscured in our technological society. As we become more removed from the physicality of our existence, we lose touch with an essential part of our humanity. Body modification is a way of reconnecting to our bodies, to the earth, and to the divine.

Pagan Fleshworks reveals that the prevalence of body modification--tattooing, piercings, brandings, and implants--is the postmodern way to heal the body and enliven the soul. These "fleshworks" are the result of people creating their own rituals and symbols of meaning in order to feel a sense of the divine within.

Maureen Mercury relates the various stages of obtaining fleshworks to the stages of alchemy, showing how fleshworks lead to psychic transformation--soul-making. Using mythological imagery and the stories of those who have chosen to modify their bodies, she identifies the signposts of our journey toward self-expression, exploring the connection between our desires and our outward life. More than 30 riveting color photographs by leading body modification artist Steve Haworth provide the perfect visual complement to this examination of the soul as it rises toward freedom.

But this book is a bit different, I suspected and hoped this would shine a different light on my culture when I first heard about it. Having Reverend Haworth's input made my hopes soar even higher, he being the frontman to all that is extreme body modification in the WORLD at the moment. There are quite a few piercer's in the world, but none with his intelligence or dedication to do surgical mods with such grace and fluence, he is THE Body Modification Artist of our times. And of course he's my COBM Rev. of choice, which may mean I'm a bit biased. :)

Nice pictures, not so artistic that someone who doesn't know much about modification won't know what's going on (such as with ModCon's photos which I have to explain in detail to people). The book as a literary whole is put together well, and gives a broad expanse of insight on body modification... showing it as human society's natural progression that we've followed since we first evolved, not as a fad meant to draw attention.

Pagan Fleshworks is a better book than most when it comes to this topic, it didn't change my views on anything and I didn't agree with everything written. But it wasn't the usual "in-your-face-this-is-what's-right"... that people who throw around their doctorates as a means of justification put out regularly.
It gives the mind room to interpet, and conceive it's own thoughts... because after all that's what this culture's about... freedom of choice and expression.

It's not a must have buy to me (even though I own it), but it certainly deserves a checkout from the local library.


Marking the body to heal the soul   April 23, 2001
 13 out of 14 found this review helpful

In this book, Maureen Mercury proposes that the growing popularity and acceptance of body modification in western culture is due to our need to recapture the personal rituals that we have lost. This book is not aimed at a neo-pagan audience, but at individuals who are looking for something deeper and more personally spiritual. I found myself agreeing with many of the ideas in this book. The photographs by Steve Haworth are outstanding as well. Place this one near the top of the list of the recent group of body modification books.


If you like this, then check this out too!   February 20, 2001
 5 out of 9 found this review helpful

Okay, okay- I've reviewed this book already. I wanted to say that if you like body modification, are new to it, or simply have an interest, then you might want to check out this website:

Bmezine.com

It's a huge collection of photos and stories of people brave enough to modify themselves in accordance with their own wishes.

Highly recomended, as is this book. Hope this helps you find what you're looking for. :)


pagan fleshworks   February 16, 2001
 12 out of 25 found this review helpful

Any one interested in pagan culture, neo-paganism or wicca this is NOT the book for you. It should have been titled "Punk Fleshworks". If you are interested in the current punk-rock scene and body art then this will be of interest to you and well worth the read.