The Tattoo Encyclopedia - Terisa Green

I chose to review this book from my collectionapproximately three years ago, purely as a way
first, in relation to the other articles published andof helping people to realize what their particular
purely because it is a fantastic book to beginchosen tattoo represents and its links. I was also
learning about the vast array of tattoo imagerylooking for more material that included some
that plasters tattoo studios. For those that opttattoo history write-ups - a 'very brief history of
for a 'flash' design (i.e. a design that has alreadytattooing' is included in this encyclopedia, followed
been drawn, printed, laminated, sold and displayedby a small amount on symbolism, which both
for tattooists to use as a means of a ready,served well towards my own studies, reports and
'instant' design that does not necessarily needpapers. There is also a small section on 'how to
altering) - this book is a useful tool in helping touse this book' - with a small 'disclaimer' that I just
choose a design, and even giving a small amounthave to agree with 100% - "It is important to
of information about the history, relation andnote that the nature of a tattoo symbol is
common reason for choosing the particular imagesometimes so personal that the only definitive
etc. The book has been well laid out, in a handyinterpretation can come from the bearer of the
A-Z format, also cross-referenced, indexed, andtattoo. No matter the established meaning in one
illustrated with three hundred examples of tattooculture, the obvious meaning derived from a
line art. Although the images themselves are nothistorical fact, or the original source of a particular
particularly useful towards 'solid' images to beimage, people will and do ascribe their own
picked for an actual tattoo, either for themeanings to their designs." Which urges you to
consumer or tattooist - they are subtle enough toremember not to take this book as 'gospel', to still
get a general idea of the design they arewithhold your own intended meaning and
representing. And with the added bonus of beinginterpretation of your tattoo, but simply to gain a
able to study this in your own home, it can evenlittle more knowledge about your design from this
help some to feel more confident when they walkbook, and use this knowledge as you so wish.
into their chosen tattoo studio - having moreDisregard it, argue against it, completely trash it,
knowledge and a better idea about the tattooor take it as it is; a little piece of information that
they are about to choose from the wall. Theyou may not have known or even considered
Tattoo Encyclopedia is an extremely goodbefore. Either way, this book is still worth having,
reference book - even for looking up informationeven if just for the coffee-table or as a good
on a tattoo you may already have chosen to liveconversation starter. Terisa Green writes in a
with, but weren't necessarily fully educated on itsvery easy-to-read manner, informative and
true meaning and historical links and values. Theeducational but not too formal. A pleasing read
included examples of tattoo imagery range fromall-round. 'The Tattoo Encyclopedia' - A Guide to
the anchors sported by sailors, to theChoosing Your Tattoo, by Terisa Green. Illustrated
Harley-Davidson tattoos inked on bikers, right upby Greg James. This edition (English) first published
to the tigers that so many people choose toin Great Britain by Simon & Schuster UK Ltd,
have as their permanent body art. It also includes2003. A Viacom Company. ISBN 0-7432-5226-8
a welcome range of religious-themed tattoos,-Tattooed Babydoll Recommended retailers:
which many people do not seem to researchAvailable from Amazon and all good UK
properly before choosing as a new piece of ink -bookshops, including Waterstone's and Ottakar's.
including Chinese, Buddhist, Christian and also someBarnes & Noble, USA also stock this book.
tribal and pagan examples. I bought this book