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1st out of 38 books
—
4 voters
Science Ink: Tattoos of the Science Obsessed
by
Carl Zimmer (Goodreads Author),
Mary Roach (Goodreads Author)
"Body art meets popular science in this elegant, mind-blowing collection, written by renowned science writer Carl Zimmer. This fascinating book showcases hundreds of eye-catching tattoos that pay tribute to various scientific disciplines, from evolutionary biology and neuroscience to mathematics and astrophysics and reveals the stories of the individuals who chose to inscr...more
Hardcover, 271 pages
Published
November 1st 2011
by Sterling
(first published October 4th 2011)
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Wow, this is truly one of the nerdiest books I've ever read. It is also extremely beautiful. it feels solid and important in your hands. The binding is beautiful, the photographs are of variable quality but the printing is top-notch. Most of the submissions are from students pursing or recently acquiring advanced science degrees, and their enthusiasm really shines through. Even if you're not a science nerd, you can appreciate the passion that exists at the intersection of permanent body modifica...more
I found out about this book, wanted it, contacted the publisher and got a free copy to review! Woohoo! This is the first time I've been the initiator in getting a review copy of a book, and I was pretty proud of myself.
And I loved it! I never would have guessed that a tattoo book would be such an enjoyable way to learn about science. Carl Zimmer explains concepts simply and clearly.
Blue bookcase review here: http://thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/2...
And I loved it! I never would have guessed that a tattoo book would be such an enjoyable way to learn about science. Carl Zimmer explains concepts simply and clearly.
Blue bookcase review here: http://thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/2...
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Books for me are a wholly tactile experience, existing in the feel of a spine in an open hand, the weight of the paper between a thumb and forefinger as they turn the pages, and this is part of the joy of Science Ink: it's rather like a coffee table book, meets science history overview, meets that leather-bound volume of Goethe's Faust I checked out of the library especially for my college class.
The book itself is hard cover (I don't believe it's available as a paperback or - thank goodness - a...more
The book itself is hard cover (I don't believe it's available as a paperback or - thank goodness - a...more
Guys, as you may know, I have a mad love of tattoos. The only thing that stops me from scrawling illustrations from one side of my body to the other is my intense fear of needle-transmitted diseases. Also just needles in general. Otherwise, I would be *bleeding* ink.
So! You can imagine the hyperventilating glee that accompanied a read of this book, which includes some of the most epic and geeky tattoos I have ever seen, ranging from a skeletal composite of Lucy, to a representation of the molec...more
So! You can imagine the hyperventilating glee that accompanied a read of this book, which includes some of the most epic and geeky tattoos I have ever seen, ranging from a skeletal composite of Lucy, to a representation of the molec...more
This is such an awesome book for mixing the art of tattoo with the geeky glee of science.
Similar in concept to this collection of literary tattoos but completely different in execution, this is more than just a collection of pictures of tattoos with a scientific bent---it also includes accessible explanations of the various equations, concepts or animals depicted, along with a little (or a lot) about the person the tattoo belongs to and why it is meaningful to them. (The 'Entropy' entry is espec...more
Similar in concept to this collection of literary tattoos but completely different in execution, this is more than just a collection of pictures of tattoos with a scientific bent---it also includes accessible explanations of the various equations, concepts or animals depicted, along with a little (or a lot) about the person the tattoo belongs to and why it is meaningful to them. (The 'Entropy' entry is espec...more
I stumbled upon this book on an endcap at work, and thinking my tattoo-obsessed sister would enjoy it, I began to peruse it. The more I looked at it, the more I felt that my sister wouldn't like this book nearly as much as I would, as my current interest and potential career path lies in science. This compilation accommodates admission into a world where few dare to go, and fewer there dare to get inked. Each photo provides a scientific explanation of the significance of the tattoo, sometimes br...more
While some of the tattoos look pretty much like you're afraid a tattoo will look, i.e., like it was done in basement or while someone was in college thirty years ago, the ones that are amazing are REALLY worth checking out! Interesting stories about the decision to get the tattoo, lots of nuggets of Science-type information and concise explanations of (some of) the theories, done in a way that a layperson like me could follow. It was also fun to look at and pick out possible tattoos for friends....more
I started reading this book through and got to about the halfway point before I realized this isn't a book you just sit down and read. All of the tattoos began to look the same. This is a good book to leaf through in an idle moment. Zimmer describes the science behind each tattoo clearly and with obvious enthusiasm for the subjects. The tattoos range in quality from excellent to mediocre. From the photos, many of them look to be the owner's only tattoo, and that inexperience may have contributed...more
Apr 23, 2012
Brett
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
2012-reading-list,
science,
physics,
philosophy,
psychology,
neuroscience,
mathematics,
non-fiction,
nonfiction
As a regular reader of his blog, I've followed the evolution of Carl Zimmer's Science Tattoo Emporium since it's inception. So when I saw this book at the library I had to pick it up.
It's not really a book that you read so much as it is a book that you page through and enjoy. Each work of ink comes complete with the story behind the tattoo itself, and the story behind the story, a description of what each equation, formula, diagram means. So not only is it entertaining, it is informative - dare...more
It's not really a book that you read so much as it is a book that you page through and enjoy. Each work of ink comes complete with the story behind the tattoo itself, and the story behind the story, a description of what each equation, formula, diagram means. So not only is it entertaining, it is informative - dare...more
I have no particular interest in tattoos, but I do love science. Each tattoo is accompanied a small very informative text about each tattoo's subject matter. Carl Zimmer is an excellent ambassador for the love of science & a forward by the beloved (by me at least) Mary Roach, adds the finishing touch. She was able to make me laugh out loud in less than 3 pages.
Many of the tattoos in this book are honestly quite horrible, but it fills my heart with happiness to see physical evidence of a dee...more
Many of the tattoos in this book are honestly quite horrible, but it fills my heart with happiness to see physical evidence of a dee...more
I was hooked on this book the moment I saw the cover design. Fabulous job, designer. I enjoyed seeing the tattoos and the explanation as to what they are and what they mean to the person who dons them. I did notice that some tattoos are far superior to others, which look like they were tattooed by pirates on a swaying ship. My favorite was "The Blind Watchmaker" with it's subtle detail and vibrant color. Second favorite is "Cross-section" for it's bright colors and how it wraps around the should...more
Tattoos & Scientists? The remarkable intersection of skin art and science is detailed in this fascinating collection of stories with images, packaged in a beautifully designed hardcover. Carl Zimmer is my favorite science writer, and in 2012 I had the privilege of hearing him speak about "Science Ink" at his hometown library in Guilford, CT. Mr. Zimmer presents as well as he pens, and I departed the Guilford Free Library with an autographed copy of his latest book and a memorable photo! Carl...more
this was both cool and disappointing. The author is science editor who doesn't have any tattoos, and the book is filled with submissions from individuals, not from talented artists showing off their best science work. This leads to many odd and interesting ideas, and many tattoos you've never seen before or would imagine anyone would get, and you also get some really crappy art. Very few seem to be from an accomplished artist. Many of the individuals are graduate students or science scholars get...more
1 like · like · see review
I was recently at a water park where I got a good view of many different tattoos, so when I saw this book I really wanted to check it out. I am fascinated with why people decide to get tattoos so this book was great. The photographs provide full color details of each tattoo. The text explains each tattoo's scientific significance and why each person chose to imprint it on their body. I liked that the book had a theme - tattoos for the science obsessed, and provided lots of diversity and interes...more
After Carl Zimmer noticed the tattoos belonging to several scientist acquaintances, he asked on his blog about others who might sport scientific body embellishment. Before he knew it, photos and anecdotes began coming, and then they kept coming.
"Without intending it, I became a curator of tattoos, a scholar of science ink."
This delightful and fascinating compilation is the result. An impressive merging of art, science, and the human urge to decorate, commemorate, celebrate, and tell stories.
"Without intending it, I became a curator of tattoos, a scholar of science ink."
This delightful and fascinating compilation is the result. An impressive merging of art, science, and the human urge to decorate, commemorate, celebrate, and tell stories.
Nov 08, 2011
Roy Kenagy
marked it as to-read
Atlantic review (with lots of photos): http://bit.ly/vGfQ51
"...a weird and wonderful almanac of the lovable geeks who immortalized passion for science on their living flesh. Zimmer divides the book into sections around each of the major sciences -- math, chemistry, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, astronomy, and even an entire chapter on DNA -- and uses each tattoo as a meditation pillow from whence to reflect on the science in question with his unmistakeable essay style of intelligent wit."
"...a weird and wonderful almanac of the lovable geeks who immortalized passion for science on their living flesh. Zimmer divides the book into sections around each of the major sciences -- math, chemistry, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, astronomy, and even an entire chapter on DNA -- and uses each tattoo as a meditation pillow from whence to reflect on the science in question with his unmistakeable essay style of intelligent wit."
This is a really beautiful book. Of course, not all of the tattoos are good, but I especially thought the ocean related ones and the ones of ganglia were really amazing. Lots of cool stuff here. With each photo comes the story of the person who submitted it to the author's blog and the reason behind their tattoo. Really fun stuff, although I didn't understand anything in the math section! Oh, and I really love the index that is made up of thumbnails of all of the photos. Lovely!
Jun 23, 2012
Dustin Crazy little brown owl
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Jason of the Borg
Shelves:
tattoos,
read-in-2012
This an amazing book - very nice with plenty of pictures and explanations about different science terms and ideas featured as tattoo designs. Features an introduction/foreword by Mary Roach.
I don't have much science interest, but scientists will really get a kick out of this book. I'll stick with literary tattoos myself :-)
I don't have much science interest, but scientists will really get a kick out of this book. I'll stick with literary tattoos myself :-)
I loved this book! I have no interest in getting a tattoo, but I love the idea of getting an image of a trilobite, or an equation, or Darwin's finches permanently marked on one's skin. Some of the tattoos are technically amazing: one person had a tattoo of Francisco Goya's etching, _The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters._ It looked amazing, and is one of the coolest tattoos I have ever seen. Kudos to all involved!
An amazing collection of pictures and stories, Zimmer's book catalogs the tattoos of persons who responded to a blog. He has pictures of their skin pictures and information about how the specific pictures were selected and what the meaning of the tattoos for their owners. It provides no information about the tattoo artists (perhaps an oversight.) I enjoyed every page and wondered what kind of a science tattoo I would want.
Mar 17, 2013
Lindz
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
13x13,
academia,
annotated,
evolution,
history,
museums,
natural-history,
nature,
nonfiction,
picture-book,
science,
inspiration
A collection of science-inspired tattoos, with short essays explaining the scientific principle behind it and, in some cases, the personal aspect as to why people chose these tattoos. It was an inspiring read and I loved reading about the passion people had for their studies. Really, this is the sort of book that makes me want to go to grad school.
This is a wonderful book! I love Zimmer's other books, but this is something special. Photos of scientific tattoos are accompanied by the tattoo-ee's statement about the personal meaning of the tattoo, followed by a cogent explanation of the science underlying the tattoo by Zimmer. I have to buy a copy of this. Highly recommended for geeks of all stripes.
LOVED this book, not just because I'm itching for another tattoo, but because Carl Zimmer is one of the best science writers working today. His essays and his introduction are educational, and his writing is just so...well, good.
One of my favorite parts is that scientists are also teachers, and our tattoos are "dermal pedagogy." Love it.
One of my favorite parts is that scientists are also teachers, and our tattoos are "dermal pedagogy." Love it.
There are a lot of smart people with some real cool tattoos. Written by two of may favorite science writers-- Mary Roach (introduction) and Carl Zimmer. It offers a microreview of the life sciences. I am really impressed with the amount of reflection that many of the people in the book placed when designing their tattoos.
A great coffee-table book featuring the tattoos of the science obsessed. Digestible in small doses, with lots of science trivia presented by one of America's finest contemporary science writers. It makes me want to get another tattoo, though spoils me with far too many inspirational ideas for me to ever follow through.
I learned some obscure science blurbs, but mostly I laughed and laughed. Best tattoo was Darwin's finches arrayed like a compass rose. Couldn't pick a worst tattoo, there were too many terrible ones.
I always thought if I got a tattoo I would get an antique botanical print. Thanks to this book, I will never get inked.
I always thought if I got a tattoo I would get an antique botanical print. Thanks to this book, I will never get inked.
The tattoos are creative, and the blurbs that accompany them are mainly quite informative. There are a lot of tidbits about a lot of mathematical and scientific principles, and Zimmer did a good job of distilling them down for a general audience. The writing could have benefited from a good editor, as there are some grammatical and spelling errors that tripped me up every once in a while, but all in all this book was a pleasure to read.
The photos were great and the writing was even better. I learned a lot about a number of different science fields. Overall I gave it lower stars cause it felt so broken up, just when I was getting into the text/field, it moved on to the next tattoo. This seemed more like a magazine than a book. It did kinda make me want to get a tattoo though...
The tattoos in this book are beautiful, and the explanations that accompany them are fascinating, from both emotional and educational standpoints. If it had existed and I'd read this book when I was 16, I probably would've done better in physics.
I have to admit, I only read selected bits of the stories behind the tattoos, but the pictures are interesting. My favorite? Definitely the tree of life with a "trunk" made of the DNA dobule helix.
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Carl Zimmer is an award-winning science writer. He writes regularly for the New York Times and is the author of several books, including Parasite Rex, Soul Made Flesh, and A Planet of Viruses.
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