Tattoo Bible

The history of the tattoo began 5,000 years ago and is as diverse as the people who wear them. Tattoos have been used for all kinds of purposes ever since the dawn of time: as symbols of spirituality, devotion, or religion; as status symbols, rewards for bravery or symbols of rank; as amulets or talismans; as a means of identification; and even as a symbol of punishment, slavery or imprisonment.

Today, tattooing is recognized as a socially acceptable and legitimate art form that attracts men and women of all walks of life. As always, each individual still has his or her own reasons for getting a tattoo; albeit for aesthetic reasons, as a fashion statement, to mark themselves as a member of a group, to honor loved ones, or to express an image of themselves to others. This book contains more than 300 images of tattoos and tattooed people from all layers of society and all parts of the world, throughout time. As such it can both be used for inspiration as well as entertainment.

Birgit Krols is a former film journalist who earned her living interviewing international movie stars before becoming editor-in-chief of a city lifestyle magazine.