Stoney Knows How: Life As a Sideshow Tattoo Artist

by Alan Govenar

Step into the world of carnival freaks... and meet a man who lived and loved it. Leonard "Stoney" St. Clair, associated himself with various sideshow acts, and bestowed his talents on any willing flesh. Alan Govenar retells Stoney's story as it was told to him, accompanying his text with more than 150 amazing photographs of Stoneys flash and his subjects . This fascinating book delves into this subject more than any other of its kind, with only the fictional tale The Elephant Man coming close in comparison. For designers, flash fans, tattoo artists, and even carnival enthusiasts alike, this classic book has been brought back in print to delight and inspire a whole new generation.

Genres: Biography

160 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1981

Reviews

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oral-tradition folklore dictated by a tattooist of the old school, balanced by a thoroughly sourced introduction on the history of tattooing. Be sure the check out the short documentary of the same name, too.

[Staciarj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting personal account of two subcultures: Sideshows & Tattoo artists. Stoney was a bit sexist and racist (a product of his time? I know, that could be a book unto itself...), but he was honest and interesting and along with photographs and a history of tattooing, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.