This beautifully illustrated & luxuriously packaged volume sheds interesting new light on a trend that has been around since time incarnate. The history of the tattoo began over 5, 000 years ago & is as diverse as the people who wear them: tattoos have been used 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; & even as a symbol of punishment, slavery, crime or imprisonment. Today, tattooing is recognized as a socially acceptable & legitimate art form that attracts men & women of all walks of life. This large format book packaged in a clamshell box showcases more than 400 images of tattoos & tattooed people from all layers of society & all parts of the world, throughout time. As a coffee table book, it is a welcome introduction to the wonderful world of tattoos & the perfect gift to yourself or anybody else, inspiring both conversations as well as the desire to get a tattoo.