Vintage Tattoos by Carol Clerk is a comprehensive history of tattooing in America. Filled to the brim with pictures and an abundance of information on the subject, it was quite an interesting read and much more informative than Tattoo (which I read last month).
Tattooing first started being showcased in the seventeenth century in the form of full-bodied tattoos on persons who were displayed in circuses. Both men and women participated in the practice by covering themselves in tattooed illustrations of all varieties. In other words, it was "Go big or go home."
As time passed, tattoos moved from beyond the realm of circus "freaks" to military men, sailors, and other hardcore types. These were often on a much lesser scale and were not done for the mere sake of illustration. These tattoos often held a meaning for the bearer or a reminder of something they ought to cherish.
In this way, the art of tattooing slowly became more and more accepted, morphing and changing into everything that it is today. This book explains exactly how these changes came to pass and the artists who became catalysts in that process.
Being somewhat of a tattoo enthusiast, I was eager to read this book and I was not disappointed. The pages of the text are filled to the brim with information and pictorial examples of the evolution of tattooing. I learned so much more than I expected, not having expected that much information to be crammed within its pages. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the art of tattooing and its history.
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
". . . and I'd see a tattoo and it was hot stuff, and so tattoos meant adventure and travel and excitement, and that was my attraction to tattooing."
Interesting! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTattoos have been around since before the 17th century. Way before in fact.
ReplyDelete