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I got a beautiful book from Prestel this week called Piecebook Reloaded: Rare Graffiti Drawings that mimics the look and feel of a real graffiti tagger’s piecebook. The book by Sacha Jenkins (a former graffiti writer himself) and David Villorente does an excellent job of showcasing work by famed graffiti writers like Seen, COST/REVS, Smith & Sane, Ket, Haze, Arab, and many more.

Like its predecessor, Piecebook, which covered graffiti’s wonder years from 1973 to the late 80’s, Piecebook Reloaded takes a look at the years following (from 1985-2005) which saw the boom in graffiti artwork and the rise in graffiti being accepted as a cultural phenomenon, capable of generating big money in fine-art galleries.

The thing I love the most about this book is the printing. It is hands-down the most realistic markers-on-paper printing I’ve ever seen, with bleed-throughs that really convince you that the book you hold in your hand was truly written and doodled on by these famed writers. The bleeds really do add a sense of realism, and the only thing I can think of that would make this book seem even more genuine would be if it worn in (corners messed up, front cover falling off, etc.).

For all intents and purposes, this is a great coffee table book. Even if you and the people you have over don’t know a thing about graffiti and its history, this book will fill you in enough to appreciate the work that’s inside. If you get a chance to pick this book up, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that this is a lovely book. Pick up Piecebook Reloaded now at Amazon.com for just under $20!