Pagan Fleshworks: The Alchemy of Body Modification Paperback – September 1, 2000

In this book, Maureen Mercury proposes that the growing popularity and acceptance of body modification in western culture is due to our need to recapture the personal rituals that we have lost. This book is not aimed at a neo-pagan audience, but at individuals who are looking for something deeper and more personally spiritual. I found myself agreeing with many of the ideas in this book. The photographs by Steve Haworth are outstanding as well. Place this one near the top of the list of the recent group of body modification books.

I bought this b/c I'm big into tattooing and inked people...being one myself I love to read about the art. This book was an ok read. Not one I'm likely to read again on a rainy day but not one I'm selling back either. It's a decent book with pretty pictures.

Okay, okay- I've reviewed this book already. I wanted to say that if you like body modification, are new to it, or simply have an interest, then you might want to check out this website:Bmezine.comIt's a huge collection of photos and stories of people brave enough to modify themselves in accordance with their own wishes.Highly recomended, as is this book. Hope this helps you find what you're looking for. :)

Good read, a little deep at times, but with over 20 years in the bodymod industry, I'd say that Maureen Mercury pretty much nailed it. Great pictures by Steve as well

While the photographs in this book are absolutely lovely and some of the stories are moving,I found the text less than illuminating and lacking in critical discourse. The images alone make it worthwhile though - especially the subdermal implant work.

Any one interested in pagan culture, neo-paganism or wicca this is NOT the book for you. It should have been titled "Punk Fleshworks". If you are interested in the current punk-rock scene and body art then this will be of interest to you and well worth the read.