Drawn flash and photographic images date back as far as the late 19th century, covering material from Europe and England to the distant Pacific islands. Modern tribal and post-modern colorways from the US and UK are also well represented. Black and white as well as color images cram each page. A good foundation to any tattoo library. Tattooists would do well to keep a copy around the shop to keep indecisive clientele busy.


Very cool book, but some shortcomings...   February 20, 2004
 13 out of 14 found this review helpful

I really enjoy this book and never get tired of perusing it, but it is very heavy on old school designs with very little modern stuff to chew on. I love the old tattoo photos from the early 20th century, and a lot of the black and white shots of oldies like Les Skuse at work. A great photographic history, indeed.

Again, the only real shortcoming is the lack of modern designs, but it makes up for it with all of the great old school photos. A great resource to have as a compliment to other books and manuals.


Historically, this is very interesting, but. . .   June 5, 2003
 10 out of 13 found this review helpful

This book lacks a lot. First, it does not address many of the pre-eminent tattooists of the recent past and present. For example, there is no Guy Aitchison, no Aaron Cain, no Dan Hazelton, etc. People like this have been essential to the recent developments of the tattoo. Second, as one of the reviewers below notes, there is not much in the way of written history here. That is both good and bad since it is nice to have all these pictures, but I found my self wanting explanations and background. Third, many of the photos in this book are downright unpleasant in the aesthetic sense. In other words, they depict awful tattoos on people that I don't really want to see naked. I know this is part of the history, but I don't really need to see a close up some guy's private parts tattooed with a devil head. I'm not a prude, but I certainly prefer the more stylish pictures that many of the tattoo magazines offer (especially International Tattoo Art).