The Tattoo Dictionary An A-Z guide to the secret language of tattoos

by Aitken-Smith, Trent

• ISBN13: 9781846016608
• ISBN10: 1846016606
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2026-06-09
• Publisher: Mitchell Beazley
• More Book Details

Summary

An essential A-Z guide to the secret language of tattoos.

Discover the true meanings behind over 200 popular tattoos with this comprehensive book, illustrated with over 100 tattoo designs.

From sailors' swallows and Mexican skulls to prisoners' barbed wire and intricate Maori patterns, tattoos have been used as a means of communication by cultures all over the world for thousands of years.

Through meticulous research, The Tattoo Dictionary uncovers the fascinating origins of the most popular symbols in tattoo history, revealing their hidden meanings and the long-forgotten stories behind them. This beautifully packaged book is an inspiring look at tattoo culture, and an indispensable guide to choosing your own tattoo.

Whether you simply want to learn about the history of tattoos and their meanings, research and decide on your own tattoo, or gift this to the tattoo enthusiast in your life, The Tattoo Dictionary will serve as an indispensable guide to educate and inspire.

Author Biography

Trent Aitken-Smith is an international tattoo journalist and editor of Tattoo Master magazine.

Ashley Tyson is a tattoo artist at the award-winning Xotica studio in London