BOOK REVIEW: Pen & Ink Tattoos & The Stories Behind Them by Isaac Fitzgerald & Wendy MacNaughton

BOOK REVIEW: Pen & Ink Tattoos & The Stories Behind Them by Isaac Fitzgerald & Wendy MacNaughton
Bloosmbury, rrp$29.99
November 2014
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
8/10

Adopting the unique approach of having Wendy MacNaughton do pen & ink drawings of each of the featured tattoos in this book, editor Isaac Fitzgerald compiles a collection of tattoos ranging from tiny dots to full sleeve and chest pieces.

Intriguing though some of the artwork is, it’s the reasons given for getting them that prove fascinating and in several cases, terribly moving.

Not all though – some are as lame as “I really fucking love pizza” (by the young lady with ‘Pizza Party’ tattooed across her ten toes.)

The ones that matter though see photographers, musicians, writers, café owners, naval officers, students, programmers, business owners and more baring their hearts and souls and pasts and how their life experiences, their love affairs (more than one couple celebrate their breakup in these pages with matching tattoos) and best and worst times inspired ink.

The biggest surprise of Pen & Ink Tattoos is how moving some of these stories can be: moving to the point of heartbreaking or soul affirming. Moving to the point of tears and worthy of maximum respect. And absolutely moving enough to rekindle the desire for another piece of ink.

Category: Book Reviews