Running the Gauntlet

by Jim Ward

Running the Gauntlet-An Intimate History of the Modern Body Piercing Industry tells the story of how the author fathered the modern body piercing industry and in so doing gave birth to the larger body piercing movement.

Genres: Nonfiction

180 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2011

Reviews

[Mander Pander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body modification is important to me, and it was a treat to read this book. This is information that's simply not going to be available through other forums.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Running the Gauntlet: An Intimate History of the Modern Body Piercing Movement in San Francisco. I've been researching body modification for a novel I'm writing and The Gauntlet (the business) and it's owners are mentioned in many of my other reference books. After hearing so much about them, the chance to read about the history of the place, written by one of the founders Jim Ward, and its influence on modern body modification couldn't be passed up.

I enjoyed reading the history and now feel I know the players in the scene better. I particularly loved the funny interactions with customers, including an assistant of Madonna. It had to be such a trip to work there.

I was also surprised by the roles a few women played. I do recommend this book for anyone interested in body modification. You'll have a new appreciation for the art and an eye for what's safe.

[Wednesday · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having the distinct pleasure of hearing Jim Ward speak at the APP conference, I picked up a copy of his incredible book and dove in. There is so much groundbreaking history recorded in these pages, written with the grace, wisdom, and frankness of a truly respect-worthy individual, that I truly feel every piercer must read it. It's an absolute necessity in order to understand what a young and amazing profession this is and how far we have come.

I recommend this book to all those with a passion for body piercing, professional or otherwise. You will laugh, you will cry, you will see a lot of pictures of pierced penises. But most importantly, you will come away with an elevated knowledge of this awesome industry and the equally awe-inspiring individuals who have brought it this far.

5/5, would obsessively read again and again.

[Michael Snuffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend the book, and not just because I worked on it. Jim did a spectacular job narrating his story, and the book includes many great pictures.