The text is very short, but informative. It gives a quick overview of tattoo history and other related aspects. (If you want to delve further into said topic, check out Steve Gilbert's "Tattoo History Source Book".)

The photos are also very nice; there is a mixture of 20th century flash, indigenous peoples and their (tribal) tattoos, Japanese tattoos, etc.

However - if I were you, I would part with a few bucks more and buy "1000 Tattoos" instead. (Also by Henk Schiffmacher aka Hanky Panky.)

You wonder why? Well, it is very simple. Because all the photographs included here have already appeared in "1000 Tattoos", but the latter has a lot more of them! The only difference is the printing. The publication reviewed here has the black/white photographs printed in black/white, whereas in "1000 Tattoos" those are printed in a more photorealistic brownish/yellowish kind of black/white. (The only other difference I noticed was two photos being swapped on a double page...)


Fantastic!   October 25, 2001
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Rich in illustration, this book charts the development of tattooing throughout the ages and across the world - from tribal origins to Japanese breathtaking full-body art to fried eggs on someone's head. The pictures are breathtaking and definitely showcase the work of many terrific artists worldwide. This book would be a perfect gift for the tattoo collector or as a purchase for yourself as a small "coffee table book" and conversation starter.

I can't recommend this book enough. Full of history and ideas, it's sure to please those of us caught in the counter-cultural fringe. It's a high-quality book as well - attractive and sturdy. Definitely a good deal ...