History
If you're interested in the history of tattooing and all things related, you're going to love our selection of tattoo history books!
-
King and Queen of the Badlands: Roy Boy & Debra the Tattooed Lady by Tim Svelty
65 – Reward points -
The Tattooists by Albert L. Morse - 1st Edition
128 pages. Originally released in 1977. 12" x 9" hardcover book with full color jacket. This is a rare book and a must have for any tattooer or tattoo enthusiast
131 – Reward points -
Tattooing from Japan to the West
Meet twenty-six leading contemporary tattoo artists. Interviews and over 425 exciting color photos of their artwork, from tattoos to paintings, make this an invaluable tattoo resource.
This is a viable contribution to tattoo history worldwide, containing insightful interviews with living legends like Don Ed Hardy, Doc Forest, Horiyoshi III, Paul Jeffries, Bob Roberts, and Mike Malone.
These tattoo pioneers shed light on the tattoo’s evolution from a sub-cultural phenomenon to a mainstream trend, and explore tattooing as a “finer” art form. Their artwork runs the gamut, from full Japanese body suits to traditional Americana hearts and roses. Some of the best, established contemporary tattoo artists like Freddy Corbin, Theo Jak, Grime, Scott Sylvia, Chris Garver, and Horitomo are included, in addition to up-and-coming tattooers Jill Bonny, Scott Bryant, George Campise, Chris Conn, Paco Excel, Robert Hernandez, Eiland Hogan, Klem, Chad Koeplinger, Jason Kundell, Jason McAfee, Brent Patten, Juan Puente, and Jesse Tuesday.
This single volume by tattoo artist Horitaka is compiled from over three years of writing for Tattoo Life magazine, and is a necessary reference for anyone interested in tattoo culture.
- Full Color
- 160 pages
- Soft cover
30 – Reward points -
Russian Prison Tattoos: Codes of Authority, Domination, and Struggle
For centuries, Russian prison inmates forcibly initiated newcomers with tattoos. Gradually, prisoners developed a secret form of communication with their tattoos, allowing them to establish rank among the other inmates and maintain a clandestine hierarchy.
30 – Reward points -
Tattooing New York City: Style and Continuity in a Changing Art Form
This book is an exploration into the unique continuity that exists in New York City between the past and present of the intriguing art form of tattooing. Here the electric tattoo machine was developed, and has had a unique influence in modern tattooing worldwide. The technical and artistic values that first coalesced here during the early 20th century now are intrinsic to the art form.
This creative process was pushed underground in the early 1960s when tattooing was banned in New York. After 35 years of marginalization, the city re-legalized tattooing in 1997 in response to the unprecedented surge in public enthusiasm and demand. Today, tattoo artists explore their trade as never before in the five boroughs of New York City; such rapid growth and change has put pressure on an art that continues to emphasize the values formalized over 100 years ago. Hundreds of color photos illustrate this fascinating text, which includes commentary from artists past and present.30 – Reward points -
Japanese Tattooing Now: Memory and Transition
Japanese men have been marked by tattoo artists for the past 300 years. Today’s urbane Japanese youth continue the tradition, proudly creating and wearing this ever changing art form.
Over 530 breathtaking color photos display a vast range of Japanese tattoos, from traditional full-body forms repleat with classical images steeped in symbolism, including Horimono, to modern One-Point style, heavily influenced by the cultures of the West.
The fascinating text provides a glimpse of Japan’s youth culture and recounts, through personal interviews, stories of Japanese masters of the tattoo art, including Senseis Horihide, Horiyoshi III, Horitoshi I, Horiyasu, and Horikoi. Readers will see some of the most intricate tattoo art in the world, while traveling through time from the 19th century Edo Floating World to the busy streets of modern Tokyo.
30 – Reward points