The Skateboard: The Good, the Rad, and the Gnarly: An Illustrated History

I started skating in '76, and continued till about '90. Then started back around '99 and have been riding ever since. The most important years to most skaters are the 'era' (for lack of better terms) that they started out skating. History of skateboarding really does not mean much to them beyond the couple of years before they started, becuase this helps to layout their level of riding skill required. So basically, the whole skateboard industry before the early '80's rebirth (after the 1980 bust) is not understood or even known about. Old school is described as the 1980's. There were at least two separate skateboard eras before the 1980's. But, the 1976-1980 time frame is incredible. The advancements and design changes that occurred in those 4 years is incredible. Flash forward to now days where the mainstream popsickle street skateboards have essentially remained unchanged for the better part of 20 years.To make a long story short, this book is about 250 pages. At page 180, the book is still covering pre-'80 industry and skaters. Most semi-recent skateboarding attempts really do the 70's and earlier a disjustice. They cover it, but nowhere near the depth it should be. For the most partthe 80's is viewed as the history, and the 60's and 70's also happened. This book is freakin awesome. It does the opposite. If you want true skateboarding history prior to the 1980s, this book is it. A word of warning, the book focuses more on industry history and hitters, and less on parks and terrain, AND it is very west coast oriented. The Brewer, Fox, Mark Lake, Belair companies and many others are not really covered. These details normally would detract from the book's rating, but with the detail provided of the pre-'80 era (2/3's of the book), its hard to find any fault. Great Book.If you started skating in the 1980's or more recently, this book will likely not do much for you. If you are in your late 40's or older, this book will be a 'must have'.

Ben Marcus's new book is terrific. I expected a thorough exploration of skateboards and the skaters, but this book also offers great quality pictures, layouts, and an excellent index to make it easy to look individuals up.I've bought two so far and am loaning them out to everyone I know. They love it too because it's so big and attractive. The graphics are modern and engaging - the pictures are so crisp and the stories are obviously written by someone who knows the sport and the people. It's got a lot of good background to the whole skating environment.

Way cool

My grandson loved the book. I'll buy anything to get him to read more and he was reading off and on all day!

great book

Interesting book showing the history of skateboards

Both my husband and boss loved this book. And they are both critical skaters! Beautifully made. Great price for such a pretty coffee table book!

Very well done! Reading so many authentic stories and informations about the skateboard history is a real pleasure. Plus the original pictures are great too.

Very comprehensive and full of great pictures, history and facts. Bought for 10 year old nephew who is well into his skateboarding and would be appreciated by all skateboarding fans.