Bully: The Pits [Paperback]

Paul 107 (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2005

This celebration of the pit bull explores the history of the breed and how Staffordshire bull terriers, Amstaffs, bulldogs, and American pit bull terriers have been tagged with a misleading reputation for being vicious animals owned by hooligans. Pit bull devotees are profiled, including top breeders from around the world, organizers of pit bull rescue operations, and the masterminds behind rapper DMX's pit bull clothing line Boomer 129. Interviews and the work of cutting-edge artists fill this collection designed to offer practical and personal insights into the world of pit bulls and the people they love.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul 107 is the author of All City: The Book About Taking Space. He is the founder of Sekondhand Projects and former manager of a record label. He has handled marketing and promotion for hip-hop labels, streetwear lines, and DJ equipment companies. He lives in Montreal, Quebec.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: ECW Press (June 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550226630
• ISBN-13: 978-1550226638
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #974,777 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not quite what I had hoped, December 19, 2008

By 

Pit Bull Mom (VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bully: The Pits (Paperback)

I ordered this as a gift for my husband as we work with a pit bull rescue organization and own two of our own. I was hoping it would be a great collection of photos, artwork, and stories. And while there are some fantastic images in there (especially the historical ones), there were several questionable sections. The interview with a dogman was the deciding factor in returning the book. Quoted question: "Do you believe dogfighting is cruelty to animals?" Quoted answer " Not when it involves pit bulls, no." There was no blatant rebuttal of this statement and I just can't imagine why, in a book about celebrating the breed, a statement like that would be allowed.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plato's Dog, September 21, 2005

By 

Squiggles "[e-mail]" (CANADA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bully: The Pits (Paperback)

Actually, I wrote a review of this book some

time ago, but it did not appear for some reason.

I hope it's not too late to try again.

This is an art book on the dog which I can

only describe as Plato's dog, because

of its dogginess. This dog

represents for me the essence of dog. The

Staffordshire, or Bull Terrier, or Am Staff,

or Pit Bull, is not like any other dog. Unlike

the German Shephard for example, and many dogs

which seem to be related to the Wolf, and

the Husky -- with their behaviour being very

close to their instincts, the

Staffy seems to have developed human virtues

over the centuries of social evolution:

Courage, altruism, loyalty, fairness, intelligence,

self-sacrifice, curiousity, a sense of

humour and play, and passion.

This book "Bully: It's the Pits" is a work

of appreciation for-- if not the underdog,

the timeless Uberdog.

The photographs capture the spirit of the

animal in its many moods and activities.

The unique "pit bull smile" has caught the attention

of the photographers and the superb paintings

of Eric Bailey (whose work reminds me of some

American satirical painters).

Some of the cultural associations, myths, and

prejudices about staffies are also covered

in diverse chapters. A very good, short

inteview with Diane Jessup who is the breed's

foremost expert is featured. Dedication

to the dog's practical needs, such as Joseph's

beautiful leather colar work is described.

The humour and the trajedy of the breed's history

is lovingly put together in a collage of photographs,

poetry, cartoons, information, art, and beautiful

photography. It is a delight to read and to

look at.

The contributors are: (Paul Labonte, Marco Cibola, Jean

Labourdette, Ted Power, Silvio Magaglio, Marie

Rose Mourou, Eric Bailey, Diane Jessup, Matt Ferguson,

Pen One, Kid Koala, Francois "Tchug" Leandre, Willo,

Chris Wellaard, Benny Tour, Pat Hamou, Drew Allan, Marcos

Chin, Dave Delaney, Shadow Kennels, Fleur Hardy,

Rare Species (Claudio & Justin) Scott Clyke, Pound

Magazine, KAS Shane & Pat and family at Gladiator Kennels,

Chino/BYI, KR, Squibs Mercier, Andrew Pommier, Shawn Morrison,

Olive Van Roost, Rachel Granofsky, Rebel/SC, MPC Gagnon,

Jack David, Thau Weva, Glife.ca, the statt at ECW,

etc."

Congratulations!

Squiggles

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Condones fighting, June 5, 2010

By 

S. Duvall "Samantha" (Va) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bully: The Pits (Paperback)

In one of the interviews in this book, the person is asked if dog fighting is animal cruelty, he answers NO!! That one statement ruins the book for me. This book only serves to perpetuate how the general public sees pit bulls!