Customer Reviews

Skinhead

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First of all this book is not written as some far in depth account of skinheads, it is a photo journal. Knight is a talented photograher and this book should be put into spectrum as an art book, who's subject is an almost lost subculture. Do not buy this book if you want a grand tale of the non-racist skinhead movement and evolution. Also when looking at the photos be prepared to keep an open mind, past preconceieved notions. If you like the book check out Gavin Watsons Skins, a very similiar book, less writting but more photographic talent. Also if you want more knowledge on the truth behind skinheads, try reading Spirit of 69, a Skinhead bible.
In rebuttle to another reviewer, all skinheads are NOT nazis now and there is a growing rebirth of the non-racist subculture.

This book is alright. It accounts the aspects of Skinhead culture which are true to the heart and not true to the tabloit representation. It shows how a nazi skinhead is a contradiction of skinhead culture itself. It also has a nifty style outline. however there are several BETTER account of non-nazi skinheads which i would reccommend. The Spirit of 69 by George Marshall, its sequel Skinhead Nation. and Skins by Gavin Watson.

Nick Knights book is an interesting (mostly a photo-journal) account of Skinhead life in England in the late 70's early 80's. Other reviewers noted how the book gave a good account of "non-racist" Skins, but I noticed plently of photos in the book showing obvious National Front members. In the end, the book is probably ideal only for people within the sub-culture itself. The text is a bit weak, and much, much to short. The photos concentrate a bit to much on style and most are posed. Still, all in all, the book represents a nice snapshot of Skinhead life in Britain back in 70's and 80's.

This book is fairly well written, including not only the traditional aspect of the culture, but also touching on the more well-known white power branch. However, all in all, it's mostly stories from skinheads in "their day" and a fashion guide. Although for someone who knew nothing of the skinhead culture (or for those who thought it only a neo-Nazi based culture), this is exceptional.

You know, I'm glad that I bought the book and I have to say, It was really better than I had expected. It does have some really nice illustrations (that you may have seen around the internet) that detail the skinhead fashion particular to the year. It is the best source I've seen yet on the early skinhead style.
The unfortunate thing is that contrary to the illustrations, the photos seem to be more often of the mid 70's and early 80's, and rarely of the earlier 60's skinhead fashion that I had hoped for. Most of the skins in these photos are in jeans, and not a lot of the dressier "hard mod" side of things. As mentioned in another review there are unfortunately several racist "sieg heil" photos, and only one black skinhead photo. And let's face it, I think in a skinhead book we all want to see some black skinheads.

Nick Knight's book Skinhead gives the reader a good first introduction to the skinhead culture. In an overview of the origins of skinheads, Knight is able to bring in the style and ideology which embodies a skinhead. He distinguishes between the different types of skinheads - racist and non-racist - and gives history on their mixing.

This book includes a good music guide which describes the Jamaican birth of ska and it's immigration to England in the 1960's. There is also an illistrated fashion section which in itself will justify for some the purchase of this book. In conclusion Knight gives a wonderful photo album of skinheads which shouldn't be missed. Although not as detailed as Spirit of '69: a Skinhead Bible, by George Marshall, this is a good book to give an quick picture of a youth sub-cultured misunderstood for far too long.

I found that this book was very interesting and informative because there often exists a racial connotation with the word "skinhead", that actually was a working class social movement stemming from England incorporating Reggae, Ska and Dub style music and an interpretative working class fashion associated with closely shaven head-hair.
This inside persective and history of the formation of the skinhead social concept is often very pre-judged. I learned a whole new aspect of what the background was truly all about!

I knew nothing much about Skinhaeds. I had only heard all Skinheads were Neo-Nazi Skinheads. I found out a great deal about what the Skinheads were originally like and the story behind their style.

Goes through the clothes worn, classic blue beat ska 45's. You know, that sort of thing. A few great snapshots from the 60's, and some 80's too. If you're a skinhead and are in the know, this book's not going to bring about any new revelations. Its still cool to have. And why not pick up a copy now that Amazon sellers have it as cheap as $7 and under?

And freshies... stop whining about this nazi stereotype. We get it, we've heard it, its annoying.

Lets face it, spirit of 69 retails at 600 bux. This book gives a very good look at the 80's revival and a good history of our culture. Not as good as '69, but none the less, a cheaper alternative.