The Language of Tattoos: 130 Symbols and What They Mean

by Nick Schonberger, Oliver Munden (Illustrator)

This beautifully illustrated guide delves deep into the meaning and significance of different tattoo symbols, exploring the rich cultural history around the world of this widespread form of body art.

Tattoos are one in three of us has at least one. Body art is one of the most popular ways of expressing our identity and beliefs.

But whether we’re aware of it or not when we choose a design to be permanently inked on our skin, a complex language of meanings lies behind the visuals we choose. A lotus flower, koi carp swimming upstream or a dragon rising towards the in the language of tattoos these are all symbols of strength and overcoming adversity.  
 
This book uncovers the meanings behind tattoo symbols , delving into the history of the most popular motifs that recur in many different tattoo styles, including tribal, traditional, Japanese, and realistic. Over 130 symbols are grouped according to their meanings, whether it’s good luck, freedom, wisdom, power, spirituality, or love.

Each symbol is illustrated with stunning, specially drawn visuals by acclaimed artist and tattooist Oliver Munden , and accompanied by an explanation by tattoo expert Nick Schonberger which delves into its history, significance, and application in tattooing.

Both a visual delight and a fascinating insight into the rich cultural heritage of tattooing, this is the perfect book for anyone wanting to learn more about tattoo symbolism, in need of inspiration for their next tattoo, or who just loves tattoo art.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, History

224 pages, Hardcover

Published November 22, 2022

Reviews

[TheNeverendingTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a straight to the point book that delves into the meaning and significance of different tattoo symbols and their origin etc.

The tattoos it covers is the typical boring and old-fashioned ones you normally see on the walls of the tattoo shop, it was still an interesting read and it's all beautifully illustrated.

It's all very well written and laid out, it was an easy read.

It's a read-oncer, makes for a cool coffee table book though.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Language of Tattoos is a non-fiction book about the origins and meanings behind 130 different tattoo symbols. I love tattoos and had hoped for more with this book. It showcases 130 symbols/tattoos but they're the basic run of the mill ones you see on tattoo walls and I'd have lived to have seen more variation and symbols and their meanings too. Don't get me wrong it's still an informative read but I had higher expectations unfortunately.

[kaitlyns_library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love tattoos and I was so invested in finding out about the history of popular tattoos! It was such an interesting read.

[Hadas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and interesting..

[chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 / 5 stars

The title of this book tells you exactly what you'll get and I liked it for what it was. Nothing too deep, nothing too complex, just the concise meaning and lore behind 130 symbols and their place in tattoo history. What really elevated this were the beautiful illustrations.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, Frances Lincoln for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly this book was so much fun to just flip through and read about the different origins and meanings of things I have tattooed already (admittedly I should've already done that research before getting them tattooed...whoops) and things I was thinking about getting. It also made for some really neat future tattoo ideas based off meanings I never knew before. My only complaint is that there was not that much consistency between tattoos listed, as far as origin and meaning, even if different styles had different connotations, it seems this information was picked at random to include with each design (or to leave it out). I also wish that each design had it's own two page spread with 2 or 3 examples of what the tattoo could look like, because I know dragons, skulls, and animals all can look totally different based on who you go see (even keeping in the neo/ American/ traditional styles). Though I do have to note that the consistency of styles throughout made the book look and feel very cohesive. I just wanted more.

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ The perfect coffee-table book.

There are several aspects that I really enjoyed about this book – obviously, I love tattoos and I love learning about art and the history behind it. If that’s not your thing, this is probably not your book.

Now, the introduction of this book was brilliant. The deep-seated neglect for history, accuracy, and tradition in the mainstream media – and more specifically, the many people who decide to get these tattoos – can be a bit of a pet peeve of mine. And don’t get me wrong, I whole-heartedly believe in getting tattoos purely for aesthetic purposes (i.e. because you just really f*cking like how they look). But the hypocrisy of racist/intolerant people getting traditional tattoos belonging to other cultures is just… hilarious in a painful way.

This book does a great job of unearthing and showcasing the history of some of the most popular tattoos. It treats the meaning of some in a more general sense, but it mostly explores their origin and how they came to be. It also talks about how some of these tattoos have a specific artist or culture that created them, and what it meant for those people in particular, which was so interesting to read.

The book is divided, separated into distinct sections that serve to classify each of the pieces into categories depending on the meaning and correlation to one another.

Overall, I think it makes for a fun time and the perfect gift for tattoo-crazed people, not unlike myself.

[Alex Glenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really interesting look into the art of tattooing and the symbolism used throughout history. I liked learning about the meaning behind different images (I have a peony tattoo myself) but in the long run I doubt I’ll remember anything I read that I didn’t already know.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. (The version I read was a finished copy.)

[Kate Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is beautiful.
First and foremost the illustrations are just perfect. But I also loved the traditions and meanings behind the images. Obviously symbols can mean something different to anyone but this books likes more at the origins, which was fascinating.

[Anna Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting - but gives shallow answers.

[Maaike Bateson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and Oliver Munden & Nick Schonberger for the advanced copy of The Language of Tattoos via NetGalley, in return for my honest and unbiased review. Quick note: I don’t recap plots in my reviews, as it’s easy enough to read the book’s synopsis and blurbs, I purely focus on my feelings & opinions of how the books makes me feel.

This was a very interesting and image-rich book, detailing the meanings and brief histories behind 130 of the most common and traditional tattoos in the Western and Japanese tattooing cultures.

The images featured in the book are a mix of the traditional Japanese style, fine line style and traditional Western bold, colourful styles.

The book is broken up into sections covering Love, Faith & Spirituality, Protection & Guidance, Transformation, Luck, Strength, Desire, Resilience and Loss, Memory & Transience. Each section then features the image by name, with a description and with at least one example, sometimes more.

The descriptions appear well researched, although unfortunately no sources are provided. There are plenty of names and dates given, allowing the reader to do their own research to some extent, and I would think some verification would be needed for some of the claims. As with many things, symbolism of many things, historically, can be interpreted in many ways, by many people, in many different countries.

The focus of the book does appear to be predominantly on Japanese and US traditions and interpretations of symbolism. There is occasional mention of some Chinese symbolism, but other than this, there is little mention of other countries and cultures. When symbolism is older than the formation of the USA, it is often quite generalised. This surprises me, as the author and artist who wrote this book are both from the UK.

Overall, this is a nice book with interesting ideas on the symbolism of common tattoos. It is a gift idea for both fans of body modification and symbolism in art.

Rating: 4/5

This review will be posted to my blog at www.mymentalshelf.com on 22/11/22

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Language of Tattoos: 130 Symbols and What They Mean, written by Nick Schonberger and illustrated by Oliver Munden, is an attractive look behind some of the more popular elements included in many tattoos.

While these could, and often are, similar to standalone designs that isn't what this book is doing. By giving brief explanations of the basic meaning of each as well as what style they can best be rendered in they offer someone the parts which can be worked into a larger, more complex tattoo. To see this as a handbook of tattoos is to miss the point. Yes, many people will get one of these with nothing for context around them, and they can be quite stunning. But knowing what some things mean allows a person and their tattoo artist to create something that speaks to that person. Notice they say 130 symbols as part of the language of tattoos, not 130 tattoos. 'Nuff said.

I don't have a problem with the explanations being kept brief. Even with just 130 symbols this book would become unwieldy if there were a lot of detail given for each. Since culture, personal interpretation and expression, and style can all give nuance to meaning, each entry, without even including illustrations, could easily go 4 pages or more. Add in illustrations and you'd have an encyclopedia, not a handy book to guide people on their journey.

In sum, this is an attractive book with wonderful illustrations and brief explanations for each of the 130 symbols. Though not as large as what I usually think of as a coffee table book, I think it would make what I have come to think of as an end table book. Whether you're considering a tattoo, or adding to one, or you just like understanding symbolism in general, or even if you just like wonderful illustrations, this book will satisfy you.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Sorina · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Language of Tattoos" by Nick Schonberger is an insightful exploration of the power, history, and cultural significance of tattoos. Schonberger, a writer and researcher with a deep understanding of tattoo culture, takes the reader on a journey through the history of tattoos, from their early beginnings to their current status as a mainstream cultural phenomenon.

One of the book's strengths is its focus on the meaning behind tattoos. Schonberger delves into the symbolism and significance of various tattoo designs, showcasing the diverse ways in which tattoos have been used throughout history to convey messages about identity, belonging, and personal expression. He also explores the ways in which tattoos have been stigmatized and misunderstood, shedding light on the stereotypes and biases that have long been associated with tattooed individuals.

The book is also visually stunning, with beautiful photographs and illustrations that capture the intricate details and vibrant colors of tattoos. Schonberger's writing is engaging and accessible, making the book a pleasure to read for both tattoo enthusiasts and those with a general interest in cultural history.

Overall, "The Language of Tattoos" is a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of an art form that has captivated people for centuries. Schonberger's insights and expertise make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the cultural significance of tattoos.

Thank you, netgalley, for the ARC!

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not really the target audience for this book as I have no tattoos but a lot of people I love have them. I can see this book being a hit with some but it didn’t do a lot for me. I found the art very dark and unattractive and the text was very dry. Each tattoo has several paragraphs about its historical meanings but I don’t think people really get some of these tattoos for these deep meanings. For instance, the maple leaf had all this talk about transience but I kind of suspect a lot of people just get them because they’re Canadian or something like that. And while the authors acknowledge cultural appropriation, it is rife with images of geishas, Buddhas, etc and uses the G slur for Romani people.

As I said, I know I’m not the target audience and most people on Goodreads seem to enjoy the book. My own personal rating would be lower but I’ll leave it at three stars for liked it.

I read a temporary digital arc of this book for review.

[BBTheReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a simple, succinctly delivered, informative book on the meaning behind traditional tattoos. I learned a lot about the history behind specific symbolism in tattoos including historical origins, cultural significance, and spiritual meanings.

I have a fairly short attention span when it comes to reading nonfiction/informational books, so I really enjoyed that the authors kept the descriptions of each tattoo short. They did a good job of packing a lot of information into a couple or three paragraphs.

My only complaint is that I wish there were more examples shown through different styles of tattoos. Most of the tattoos illustrated in this book are traditional/old school style and I was expecting a variety of examples ranging from traditional to modern.

All in all, this is a really well put together book and now I have some fun facts about tattoo history to share with my friends! :)

Thank you to NetGalley and White Lion Publishing for offering this book in exchange for an honest review.

[EinaSelesnia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though interesting to see tattoo meanings, some of the descriptions are short and not elaborated further. While other descriptions are long on history stuff and it "became a flash tattoo" that doesn't relatie to the meaning of the tattoo talked about at all. While reading you immideatly know where this person comes from... Anything America related are way bigger descriptions while the other styles are left hanging more with some exceptions. I liked the images but it's very much one style even while other styles could have been chosen as well. Sadly it's either very western American style based tattoo meanings or eastern japanese style tattoos that with some lack. But the world over is bigger then only that and I missed that in here. Some tattoos that are "even popular now" I never have seen anywhere. Overall good images, interesting but it could be so much more.

[Dorian Draws · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would hope that a printed book would provide a little more researched insight than a Wikipedia article, but here we are.

If you want to know more about any of the symbols ""covered"" here, a cursory web search will give you so much more.

If you want a collection of cool tattoo designs, this book fails again. Most of the artwork are lifted from various books and illustrations and would need serious reworking to be tattooed successfully.

I think the only function a book like this serves is as shelf filler, to superficially broadcast your interests to other people. Considering how hard this book has been pushed to me in ads and through various tattoo supply websites, it wouldn't surprise me if you saw this book in a lot of tattoo studios with a lazy shop owner who wants to fill the walls and shelves at any cost.

I used to work for that sorta guy. lmao

[Nette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Language of Tattoos shares 130 symbols and what they mean. Illustrations by Oliver Munden are accompanied by their explanation from Nick Schonberger.
As someone who has tattoos, this book is fascinating. The Language of Tattoos helped me understand a tattoo that my own parent had gotten. Making the idea that even if it’s a personalized tattoo, using some of the traditional flash designs, the meanings are still valid.

The illustrations are stunning, and the history of each tattoo was thoughtful and considerate of the longstanding history of tattoos. Both were very respectful of the art and history of tattooing and that’s appreciated.

Perfect to have in your tattoo studio or if you are thinking about getting a tattoo done. Knowing the meaning of what you want is very important, as a tattoo is an art you get put on yourself to last you a lifetime.

[Rachella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Language of Tattoos is a stunning display of 130 tattoo images and meanings. The illustrations are stunning, and the descriptions in depth. There are suggestions for which styles are best for the images or which other symbols can be added to enforce the meaning. However, I was most intrigued by how each begins with a symbol's original history, including specific people who may have created it, historical meaning, or how myth or religion either started it or added to it. 

I would recommend this book to those who love tattoo culture, symbolism, and who are interested in planning their next meaningful tattoo, whether for a sleeve or a single image. 

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are a tattoo aficionado or simply someone who is curious about the art form of tattooing, this book is not to be missed.

Schonberger has created a guide which is as richly visual as it is informative. Each symbol is thoroughly researched, with the examination including the significance along with the cultural and historical origins.

I was surprised by quite a few of the meanings and learned a lot! Definitely expect to see this book on coffee tables and tattoo artists' shelves increasingly in the coming years for interest and for reference.

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I 'inhaled' this book. As someone who is a tattoo enthusiast, I enjoyed reading about the symbolism behind these pieces. The author did good research on each art piece, and it was described in a way that is easy to comprehend.

The illustration is beyond amazing. The traditional style and old-school tattoos are something that is considered to be timeless, which makes this book also a timeless read.

Every tattoo shop should have one, and I think this would make a perfect present for any tattoo lover.

[Page Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group!

What a fun and interesting read!

I have always loved tattoos and the deep personal meaning they can hold for each person and how much that meaning can vary from person to person.

When I think about tattooing, I think about some very traditional imagery. The Language of Tattoos gives an opportunity to look at the original meaning of these images and see how it has progressed and changed through the years.

This book is an excellent pallet cleanser!

[Ann T · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book that explains the meaning behind different tattoos. It groups tattoos into themes such as love and faith and spirituality proving related illustrations and the general meaning behind the tattoos. A good introduction to tattoo meanings, however I personally would have preferred photographs of a range of tattoos for each subject feather than the illustrations. An interesting baseline book.

Thank you Quatro , White Lion and NetGalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.

[Meenakshisankar M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I am not a big fan of getting tattoos myself, I do enjoy and appreciate the incredible artistry that is involved in portraying emotions and meaning within the illustrations, especially the colorful ones. This book presents hundreds of unique images and symbols used in tattoos, and provides interesting background context to the symbolism and meaning of those, drawing upon myriad cultural significances and historical information. Very illuminating to read. The tattoos reproduced were incredible to look at.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an advance-read digital copy of the book (thanks Netgalley and Quarto Publishing!), so there were some editing mistakes that I hope get cleaned up before release, but I really enjoyed this book! It gave very quick background information and one or two examples of the different symbols, so it's not for someone who wants a more informative read, but it's great for someone who's just curious. 😁

[Georgi_Lvs_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The true story of any tattoo is claimed when the history of both the design and the wearer meet.”

This was a fascinating read, filled with 130 symbols showing tattoos and the history behind each one.

It was interesting to see what certain tattoos look like and their meaning behind it.

A beautiful collection and a book you can return to again and again.

Ideal for anyone who is a lover of tattoos, enjoys art and photography and anyone looking for a quick/light read.

[BooksToTheGrave · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting reading a book that tells us the history of tattoos. It shows and explains some of the most iconic designs and symbols tattooed through time.

While I enjoyed reading, it would be better if the book organization were different. Some text is about the previous image and others are about the next image. With time this gets slightly confusing.

But overall, this is an interesting book to read especially if you like tattoos like me.

3.75*

Read through NetGalley

[Mar · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was good but I was left wanting more. I hoped for a deeper meaning or something but I just got descriptions of the meaning that were too basic and it's something you can easily find online.
It was good for beginners but if you already have basic knowledge about tattoos this is nothing groundbreaking.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know tattoos had their own language/meanings. I think my best friend who is a tattoo artiest who would love a copy of this book to have in her studio for clients to look through as they wait. It is also making me think about other tattoos I want to get in the future.


Thank you Netgalley

[Courtney R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Language of Tattoos" by Nick Schonberger is a concise and insightful guide to the meanings behind 130 tattoo symbols. Schonberger's exploration is both informative and engaging, offering a valuable resource for both tattoo enthusiasts and those curious about the stories inked onto skin.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.