This book is a treasure trove of historical facts which will intrigue the inked and uninked alike. Clerk elaborates upon the ups and downs of tattoo culture in America, Europe, and the south seas where they were first encountered by Captain Cook. Particularly absorbing topics include the body art side show circuit, the military's "cover up" of soldiers' risque pinup tattoos in the 60s, and spotlights on iconic tattoos such as Christ with a crown of thorns, the panther, and the heart wrapped in a "Mom" banner. The book contains many vintage pictures, including the cover picture of a young soldier with intricate designs covering his back and arms--ironically, his face is lost to history, though his showstopping back art endures as legend. An excellent armchair exploration of an ephemeral art form.