Mutilating the Body: Identity in Blood and Ink

by Kim Hewitt

Analyzes the different ways in which people use their bodies for self- expression, looking at the significance of body modification and the ways in which forms of body art and alteration serve individual and cultural needs. Discusses piercing and tatooing, eating disorders, self-cutting, and ritualized consensual sadomasochism. Includes b&w photos. Paper edition (unseen), $18.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

161 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[n]

This was one of my prelim books, tbh I enjoyed it and have two pages of notes that will help in my research.



I was disappointed on page 66 Hewitt without reference says “The Koran forbids marking the body”. While there is Hadith and cultural norms that do ‘forbid’ tattooing and the like, it is not explicitly or casually referenced in the Koran. For a book with in depth research on much, it’s inattentive and falls into what scholars will generally do in reference to Islamic doctrine: that is rely on popular opinion rather than facts.

[sam kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

after reading this book, i was forced to contemplate the similarities between voluntary body mutilation like tattooing and piercing with compulsory behaviors like cutting and bulemia. its really quite a smart book...

[Heleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Only read the parts which were of relevance to me)