The Tattoo History Source Book

by Steve Gilbert

The Tattoo History Source Book is an exhaustingly thorough, lavishly illustrated collection of historical records of tattooing throughout the world, from ancient times to the present. Collected together in one place, for the first time, are texts by explorers, journalists, physicians, psychiatrists, anthropologists, scholars, novelists, criminologists, and tattoo artists.

A brief essay by Gilbert sets each chapter in an historical context. Topics covered include the first written records of tattooing by Greek and Roman authors; the dispersal of tattoo designs and techniques throughout Polynesia; the discovery of Polynesian tattooing by European explorers; Japanese tattooing; the first 19th-century European and American tattoo artists; tattooed British royalty; the invention of the tattooing machine; and tattooing in the circus.

The anthology concludes with essays by four prominent contemporary tattoo Tricia Allen, Chuck Eldridge, Lyle Tuttle, and Don Ed Hardy. The references at the end of each section will provide an introduction to the extensive literature that has been inspired by the ancient-but-neglected art of tattooing. Because of its broad historical context, The Tattoo History Source Book will be of interest to the general reader as well as art historians, tattoo fans, neurasthenics, hebephrenics, and cyclothemics.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Art

244 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this as part of my research for an art history project on Marquesan tattooing. All in all was very one-dimensional and seemed to view the tattoo art without much consideration for the cultural and religious background behind the designs. The section on the Marquesas had great illustrations but the text was almost entirely related to the experiences of Europeans "discovering" the Marquesas and their views on it. The Marquesans are even referred to as "ornately tattooed savages" at one point. Very disappointing to me, as the religious and political reasons behind their tattoos are complex and fascinating. Gilbert reduces the artists in his book to spectacles for the enjoyment of Westerners...it left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book to do a paper on the tattooing history in America. This was the only book in my library that gave a good overview of where the practice and art of tattooing came from. It gives timelines and primary sources. The chapters are divided according to time period and culture. It’s kinda outdated on the present day movement on tattooing – but a great source for a very broad art form.

[David Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book although it focuses on the origins of tattooing and fails to build on this to develop the history of tattooing from then until modern times. It would have been interesting if the author discussed how styles or themes have evolved over time. Even the section which discusses modern times is just a section about Ed hardy and his experiences tattooing. Interesting but average.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!! I am a woman with tattoos and it was intriguing to find out that anEgyptian Goddess Mummy that was found very well preserved had them. It was very interesting to read about all the different cultures and their methods and beliefs.

[mairywo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books about the history of tattoos and tattooing.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art born with mankind

[Zian B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book and has actually helped me with 2 projects during high school. I also adore tattoos so I’m definitely keeping this book

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhere between ⭐⭐⭐.5 and ⭐⭐⭐.75.

[Full review to come.]

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting collection of historical tattoo texts and imagery. It is evident that a great deal of research went into the book, and you get a nice overview of history from many different tattoo hotspots of the world. The information is primarily stemming from English texts, plus some French and german texts, so it does have a bit of a western bias.
I was a bit annoyed at the number of editing errors - several typos, and getting cut off mid-sentence to insert about 15 pages of full sized images. Maybe that is a personal pet peeve, but I would have appreciated those images much more if they had not been randomly placed mid-paragraph. Anyways…
The book is a bit slow at times but it’s to be expected from historical texts. It’s well researched and references lots of other tattoo books to follow up with if you want to dive deeper into a subject.

[Nomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly superficial, but nevertheless seems to provide a decent overview of tattoo history across the world. The chapter on Japan (which is my primary area of interest) is informative and avoids the most common cliches and stereotypes, such as labeling tattoos as a 'yakuza-thing', however it completely fails to mention Ainu tradition.