From fine art to street style, the aesthetics and motifs of the gothic are entwined with the heart of today’s alternative visual culture.

Vampires and demons have become screen icons of the modern underworld. Skulls, crosses and religious iconography represent symbols of rebellion for a new gothic generation, a shorthand for an allegiance with a modern day underworld where monsters and misfits rule the world. Structured over three defining chapters (Gods & Monsters, The Kingdom of Darkness and Dark Arts/Higher Power), The Book of Black provides an exploratory visual narrative through which to reveal and celebrate the artists, aesthetics and styles of today’s gothic visual arts, presenting seminal gothic artworks alongside emerging artists of today.

About the Author:

Faye Dowling is a freelance editor, curator and art buyer specialising in photography, illustration, design and contemporary visual culture. She has worked for brands such as Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton and Adidas, and magazines including Dazed & Confused, Frieze, Eye and Varoom. For Laurence King she is the author of The Book of Skulls (2011).

The skull is one of the most recognizable symbols of today’s contemporary visual culture. Adorning T-Shirts, badges and rock memorabilia as the ultimate symbol of anarchy and rebellion, the image of the skull has found its way into the vocabulary of urban life.

In response to this cultural phenomenon, The Book of Skulls presents a cool visual guide to the skull, charting its rebirth through music and street fashion to become today’s ultimate anti-establishment icon. From the Grateful Dead to skater punk graffiti, from haute-couture to Damien Hirst, this book is the ultimate collection of iconic and unusual skull motifs.

Packaged in an amazing 'skeleton' binding and drawing together artwork from music, fashion, street art and graphic design, The Book of Skulls is a celebration of one of today’s most iconic cultural symbols.

About the Author:

Faye Dowling is a freelance editor, curator and art buyer specializing in photography, illustration, design, and contemporary visual culture. She has worked for magazines including Dazed & Confused, Varoom, Frieze, Eye, Edit and Pictured.