In this book the tattoos of geographical regions and their inspiration are discussed at length in separate chapters, accompanied by many rare and previously unpublished illustrations sourced from libraries and museums across the globe. During the eight years it took Maarten Hesselt van Dinter to compile this book, he travelled extensively, visiting impressive archives and collections, and some of the tribes described here. By combining empirical history, cultural analysis, and a highly readable style, the World of Tattoo is a vital contribution to the ongoing efforts to write a meaningful history of tattooing.