Written on the Body: the Tattoo in American and European History (Hardback)

This anthology, which is rarely scarred by academic jargon, fascinates with its detail, covering enough surface to show how much more is left to be explored. The New York Times Tattoos have a strange double-nature. They have an uncanny power to affront, yet they also exert an almost irresistible fascination, even on historians. Jane Caplan's collection of essays from 14 estimable British and American historians provides an informative exploration and interpretation of the tattoo in Western Culture. Boston Herald This eccentric and entertaining collection of essays makes a strong case for thinking that we should look more closely at human skin ... There aren't many places where Betty Boop, Wagner, and a succubus or two can be found jostling each other for space. One could be on the tatooed body. The other is in this brilliantly scholarly and scatty book. -- Robert Douglas-Fairhurst The Art Newspaper An amazingly rich volume ... Caplan's anthology of essays is stimulating for further work on the very idea of body ornamentation as a source of cultural history. -- Sander L. Gilman American Historical Review