Rating: 
Summary: broadway elegant
Review: This is by far the best graff book i have ever laid my hands on...Espo is a legend and knows exactly what to present about the culture and how to present it...this is the Subway Art/Spraycan Art for the new millennium...there are so many roots in the book it easily and honestly serves both veterans and/or those just learning about graff...the flicks inside provide a wonderful visuals that brilliantly compliment the textual history which has been masterfully laid down...well worth every penny... p.s. if you are from philly or new york (especially philly) this book provides a very personalized representation of the effect both these cities had on graff over the years...if i were a bit more emotional it may have brought a tear to my eye...
Rating:
Summary: Greatest Graff Book
Review: This is it. This book may be the best book yet. One critic compared it to "THE FAITH OF GRAFFITI" but I'd make the argument that "THE ART OF GETTING OVER" is the superior work. Anyone familiar with Norman Mailer's book knows that his approach was to appropriate the guise of a graffiti writer. Well, here, Stephen Powers doesn't need to appropriate as he is a dues-paying graffiti writer. And a literate one at that. This may not be the best book to use as a graffiti primer but one would be remiss if they didn't eventually graduate to it. This rates as a 'Five Star' book easily, without question.
Rating:
Summary: probly the coolest blackbook i ever bought
Review: Well first off, i thought this book was just another writers attempt to "get over" using the subculture from which he grew. After actually opening my eyes, and READING what was there, the book has a lot of info missed or glossed over by other notable publications, albeit a bit thin in total editorial content. Other books passed by the whole idea that elements of the subculture had evolved somewhere else, but mr. powers picks up the cut threads, noting specific writers (and events) in colorful detail. There is a nice mix of old school fliks, snapshots (which are perhaps even more interesting), and newer art. (i found the pics of old philidelphia handstyles -tags- probably the most interesting). Every aspect of the culture is found in this book, and not limited to one city or locale, which is (as far as i know)a first in the list "graffiti writer turns writer" publications. Some "kings" of the world may feel it is weak, or its another attempt at "getting over" using the rest of us, but, what are they doing? Is it a full description of the graffiit "world"? No. I am not sure that is entirely possible by one authors account. But it is a vital piece to a puzzle left by previous authors, and (in my opinion) the best book produced on the subject by a writer so far. So-drop your preconceptions, and READ IT. A solid publication. Get it. peace. HAZARD UGN, OHIO.
Rating:
Summary: probly the coolest blackbook i ever bought
Review: Well first off, i thought this book was just another writers attempt to "get over" using the subculture from which he grew. After actually opening my eyes, and READING what was there, the book has a lot of info missed or glossed over by other notable publications, albeit a bit thin in total editorial content. Other books passed by the whole idea that elements of the subculture had evolved somewhere else, but mr. powers picks up the cut threads, noting specific writers (and events) in colorful detail. There is a nice mix of old school fliks, snapshots (which are perhaps even more interesting), and newer art. (i found the pics of old philidelphia handstyles -tags- probably the most interesting). Every aspect of the culture is found in this book, and not limited to one city or locale, which is (as far as i know)a first in the list "graffiti writer turns writer" publications. Some "kings" of the world may feel it is weak, or its another attempt at "getting over" using the rest of us, but, what are they doing? Is it a full description of the graffiit "world"? No. I am not sure that is entirely possible by one authors account. But it is a vital piece to a puzzle left by previous authors, and (in my opinion) the best book produced on the subject by a writer so far. So-drop your preconceptions, and READ IT. A solid publication. Get it. peace. HAZARD UGN, OHIO.
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