Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopaedia Volume I

I like that the book gives you who it was taken off of or the picture was taken from and what part of the body it was on in some cases these guys are really bad dudes, very graphic shows a lot of lewd artwork but interesting very much interesting nonetheless

I loved it I found it absolutely interesting theirs hundreds of photos of tattoos with explanations and years when they were taken some on people some where the author sat down and copied the tattoo by drawing it the only negative things I could say is when it refers to what the wearer did to end up in prison a lot of them just have the code like article 148 of the constitution of the Russian federation or whatever which if your like me you have no idea what the hell that is I’d have rather him just put the crime but he probably never figured the book would be read outside of greater Russia the only other thing is some of the tattoos don’t have as much explanation as you’d like them to have but that’s only some and either way it’s very informative and interesting to read I bought all three at once and I’m over halfway done with the second volume now and it’s just as goodI actually found a few tattoos that I would like to get out of the book

The symbolism in these is incredible.

it’s a really good book. lots of interesting pictures and really detailed drawings, some even gave me artistic inspiration. It’s a fascinating insight to art/political history. tattoos are a form of art that can convey a powerful message. there is a lot of misogynistic/pro nazi/anti Semitic/anti Asian/pro Soviet imagery but you gotta remember that these are tattoos of mostly political prisons. I wouldn’t get this book if those kinds of images upset you. love the embossed images on the front and back covers with the sleeve taken off. if you want to get any design from this book tattooed on yourself, make sure you do proper research about what they actually mean and if they still have significance today. also, have the design tweaked a bit so you’re not just ripping off the authors illustrations

Super glad I bought this. A little pricey but very cool. Glad I bought the whole collection!

The book material is of the best quality and also behind the soft paper cover there is a hard cover with a very stylistic and original touch to it. The content is a real and deep journey into the depths of russian criminal tattoo subculture that is almost a world on its own. The thrilling details and the abstract symbolisms are a definite 'food for thought' even for the trained reader. I highly recommend it for Russia enthusiasts and especially for the 'digging deep' tattoo artist.

Very interesting book. The cover is deceptively bright as the rest of the book was considered quite vulgar by even the most vulgar people I know, but hey. You get what you ask for with a book about criminal tattoos. Would NOT EVER give as a gift.

Strictly black and white photos with illustrations also of tattoos from Russian prisons. Great gift! Fair warning Most of book has nudity and adult themes!