Customizing the Body: The Art and Culture of Tattooing - Softcover

Clinton R. Sanders

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1592138888 ISBN 13: 9781592138883

Publisher: Temple University Press, 2007

Synopsis

This text covers the history and anthropology of body modification practices. It covers the tattooist's occupational experience, the process and social consequences of becoming a tattooed person, and the prospects of 'serious' tattooing becoming an accepted art form.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Describes the seven-year involvement of a sociologist in the world of tattoo culture

From the Inside Flap:

"[U]nequalled insight into the world of tattooing.... Sanders concerns himself with comparing tattooing with things like pottery, computer graphics and graffiti, which have recently moved closer to acceptance within the 'art world.'"
—Body Art

"This is the most intelligent book available to date on the modern aspects of an increasingly popular form of body decoration."
—Kirkus Reviews

"The author, tattooed himself knowledgeably discusses both the symbolic and social meanings of tattooing. He presents a thorough overview of the development of tattooing in western society from the eighteenth century to the present. The book is a wellspring for the novice fan seeking information about tattooing, and it will give even those who think they know all about tattooing a fresh look at many aspects of the art and the people involved, as, well as the relationship between practitioners and clients. Sanders’ book is both intelligent and entertaining."
—Tattoo

"A fascinating and well-written study, one that finely sharpens the distinction between deviance and respectability."
—Choice

"The book's comprehensive treatment—involving both historical and cross-cultural analysis, both tattooists and tattooees as subjects, and parlor, convention, and gallery settings—ought to inform communications research on topics ranging from symbolization of deviance to clothing, fashion, and art."
—Communications Research

About this edition

• Publisher: Temple University Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1592138888
• ISBN 13: 9781592138883
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288