Customer Reviews

Rat Fink: The Art of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth

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This is a great, must-have book that provides the definitive overview of Big Daddy's art and more general contribution to pop culture. Unlike "Ed Big Daddy Roth: His Life, Times, Cars, and Art" by Pat Ganahl (which is also great), this book focuses more on Roth's art rather than his car creations (although there are quite a few photos of the cars too). The book is divided into chapters focusing on different aspects of his art like the Rat Fink model kits he designed for Revell, t-shirt art, comic book art, vintage decals, etc. Each Chapter is written by a different author (including many lowbrow artists like Robert Williams, Dave "DB" Burke, and the Pizz) who discuss how Big Daddy influenced their childhood and artistic career as well as his overall impact on pop culture. While the claim made by the book that Roth was the greatest artist of the 20th century may be a bit of an overstatement, his influence on boys (mostly) who grew up during the 60's and 70's can hardly be overstated.

There's also plenty of interesting biographical info here including how Big Daddy's appropriation of outlaw symbols in the late 6o's, like the maltese cross and swastika, resulted in a commercial backlash against him (not unlike The Ramones who did the same thing and suffered similar criticism).

In short, this is a must own book whether you're a fan of hot rod culture, lowbrow art or pop culture in general. The book cover done up to look like the box from an old Revell Rat Fink model kit is a nice touch by the publisher, Last Gasp.

Most cool!!!!!!!!!

This the Big Daddy book to buy if you're trying to decide between this or the Pat Ganahl one. It has a much nicer design (more in keeping with Roth's own original aesthetic), there are more photos (pretty much all color) plus there are a variety of viewpoints from many people who were close to Roth. All aspects of his career are covered; cars, t-shirts, toys, etc. An outstanding book and loving tribute to a legend!

This book first off is GREAT. I wasn't sure what to expect when i first ordered, but once i got it, i was very impressed and blown away. This not only goes over the history of Ed Roth, but also has a great deal of his work shown in it. From old custom Hot Rods, to his Kustom Cars, to the different Rat finks (surf fink, race fink ,etc) this book is a blessing.

The only thing i would say that it lacked on is that fact it didn't go into great detail on his Kustom Cars that he created in his lifetime. I was expecting to be a great deal more, but since i was more into his art and collabrated art, no harm no foul in my eyes.

If you like Big Daddy Ed Roth in the least, this book is perfect!
joshua
http;//www.hydro74.com

This is a really cool book that covers the art and life of Big Daddy Roth; I wish there were more images of crazed drag-racers in it, but even if it were nothing but, I'd still wish there were more. Excellent book and a real value for the amount of art in it.

This book is a great addition to the libraries of all your baby boomer friends influenced by Ed Roth (some of them without even knowing it). I gave copies to friends, cousins, nephews, brothers and have received glowing gratitude from everyone!! Another great book from Douglas Nason and the Copro/Nason gang!!

growing up in the 50's and 60's i can remember many of ed roths creations from custom autos to his wild artwork. this book is just packed with everything. its a joy to read and look at no matter what your age. its worth every penny and much more. dont think about it......buy it!

This book is an amazing tribute. The editors, authors, photographers, and writers who came together obviously did so out of a very real respect, and dedication to showing the reader the full scope of who Ed Roth was and what he accomplished in his lifetime. It is an impressive collection and demonstrates a much vaster influence than I had known before. I think the editors and the biographers really included the broad spectrum of who Ed Roth was and remains to us all. I've long been a fan of Roth's work but I had such a limited idea of just who he was. He was a mega-talent absolutely. Now no one will ever doubt the significance of this amazing American legend.

Pretty cool book,it has alot of art if you are a Rat Fink fan,brings back alot of memories.

Todo tipo de imágenes del artwork de big daddy, ... echo de menos algúna lámina mas grande.. pero está muy bien

This is the definitive review of the lovably subversive Rat Fink, the iconic mascot of Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth.
This history of Rat Fink (along with some of his cohorts) evokes the heyday of Ed Roth and the Kustom Kulture he inspired.
Rat Fink personified the 'Anti-Disney' take on the world, popular among social outlaws (of the time) including hot rodders, bikers, and even skateboarders and surfers.
Never serious, but a sincere rebel, R. F. maintained his macabre sense of humor, which endeared him to his devotees, and confused the citizens not in on the joke.