Top 10 Skateboard Books of All Time

Skateboarding is more than just a sport or a way to get around. It's a culture with a rich history and a unique community that has influenced music, fashion, art, and more. Reading books about skateboarding can help you gain a deeper understanding of this culture, its evolution, and its impact on society. You'll learn about the pioneers who pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard, the creative minds behind the graphics and designs that adorn skateboard decks now, and the subcultures and scenes that have emerged around the sport. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, there's a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to be found in the pages of skating books.

The Skateboard Art of Jim Phillips

The Skateboard Art of Jim Phillips" by Jim Phillips is a comprehensive look at the work of one of the most influential skateboard artists of all time. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the skateboard industry, including Phillips' collaborations with various skateboard brands and with skateboard books and magazines, and his interactions with other artists, skaters, and industry insiders. Filled with full-color images of Phillips' artwork, the book is visually stunning and offers a unique and interesting way to learn about the history of skateboarding culture. Whether you are a fan of skateboarding or simply appreciate great art, "The Skateboard Art of Jim Phillips" is a must-have book that can be enjoyed for years to come. It also makes a great gift for anyone who loves skateboarding or skate art. Overall, the book is a testament to the impact that Jim Phillips has had on the world of skateboarding and the art that surrounds it.

The Mutt

If you're in the market for a great skateboarding book, you can't go wrong with "The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself" by Rodney Mullen and Sean Mortimer. This memoir and iconic skateboarding book provides a fascinating look into Mullen's life and career, as well as insights into skateboarding technique and style.

As one of the most innovative skaters of all time, Mullen has contributed numerous tricks and maneuvers to street skating today that are still used today. "The Mutt" provides a unique perspective on Mullen's approach to skateboarding and his personal struggles, including battles with anxiety and depression.

But "The Mutt" is more than just a memoir. The book also includes tips and advice on skateboarding technique and style, making it a valuable resource for skaters of all levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics of skate scene or a seasoned pro looking to take your skills to the next level, "The Mutt" is a must-read for anyone who loves skateboarding.

So if you're looking to expand your knowledge of skateboarding history and skate culture here, or simply want to be inspired and informed by one of the sport's greatest innovators, "The Mutt" is the book for you.

The Concrete Wave

The History of Skateboarding" by Michael Brooke is a book that provides a comprehensive overview of the history of skateboarding, from its origins to the present day. It includes interviews with prominent figures in secret history of skateboarding, beautiful visuals, and engaging writing that make it an enjoyable read. The book explores the cultural significance of skateboarding and its impact on popular culture. If you're interested in the history of skateboarding or sports and popular culture in general, this book is an excellent choice.

The Skateboard Journal

"The Skateboarder's Journal" by Kevin Wilkins - This collection of essays and interviews from the respected skateboarding magazine covers a wide range of topics related to skateboarders history and to the sport and its culture.

Disposable

Disposable: A History of Skateboard Art" by Sean Cliver is a captivating book that explores the rich history and cultural significance of skateboard art. The book features incredible artwork from some of the most talented artists in the industry and provides an in-depth look at how skateboard art has evolved alongside the sport itself.

In addition to the stunning visuals, the book also features engaging writing by Sean Cliver, an industry veteran with a unique perspective on the subject matter. "Disposable" also explores the impact that skateboard art has had on popular culture, making it a fascinating read for anyone interested in art, skateboarding, or pop culture. The hardcover edition of the book is a collector's item, printed on high-quality paper and beautifully designed. Overall, "Disposable" is an excellent book that is sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in

the fascinating world of skateboard art.

Dogtown

Dogtown: The Legend of the Z-Boys" by C.R. Stecyk III is an engrossing book that delves into the fascinating history of skateboarding and the youth culture that helped shape it. The book centers around the Zephyr skateboarding team, a group of young skateboarders from Santa Monica who revolutionized the sport with their innovative style and approach. Through stunning photographs, artwork, and engaging writing, C.R. Stecyk III brings the story of the Z-Boys to life, capturing their raw energy, creativity, and passion for skating. In addition to being a thrilling story of perseverance and success, "Dogtown" is also a significant cultural document that explores the larger social and cultural changes that were taking place in America during the 1970s.

The hardcover edition of the book is beautifully designed and printed on high-quality paper, making it a valuable collector's item for anyone interested in skateboarding, youth culture, or American history. Overall, "Dogtown" is an exceptional book that is sure to inspire and captivate readers of all ages.

Gleaming the Cube

Gleaming the Cube: A Skateboarder's History of the 80s" by Sean Mortimer is a book that tells the story of skateboarding in the 1980s. The book covers the rise of the sport's popularity, the emergence of new styles and techniques, and the cultural impact of skateboarding on music, fashion, and art. Mortimer, a professional skateboarder, provides an insider's perspective on the world of skateboarding, drawing on his own experiences and interactions with other skaters. The book can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for skateboarders, as Mortimer's stories of the early days of skateboarding and his struggles to succeed in a sport that was often dismissed as a fad can all serve as examples of the hard work and dedication required to achieve success. For those who grew up in the 80s or are fans of the decade's pop culture, "Gleaming the Cube" offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with references to popular music, movies, and TV shows from the era, as well as stories about iconic skateboarding events and personalities. Overall, "Gleaming the Cube" is a book that offers something for everyone: history, culture, inspiration, and nostalgia.

Locals Only

"Locals Only: California Skateboarding 1975-1978" by Hugh Holland is a book that showcases the early days of skateboarding in Southern California during the mid-1970s. Holland's photographs capture the skateboarding scene in all its raw, unfiltered glory, showcasing the skill and creativity of the skateboarders who were part of it. The book is a valuable document of the origins of modern skateboarding and the culture that grew up around it. For those who grew up in the 1970s or are fans of the decade's pop culture, "Locals Only" offers a nostalgic trip back in time, with references to popular music, fashion, and other cultural touchstones of the era. The book can also serve as a source of inspiration for skateboarders, as the photographs capture the innovative tricks and unique styles of the skateboarders who were part of the scene during that time. Overall, "Locals Only" is a book that offers a unique and valuable perspective on the early days of skateboarding, and is definitely worth checking out for anyone interested in the history of the sport or popular culture.

Skateboarding and the City

Skateboarding and the City: A Complete History" by Iain Borden is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the relationship between the skateboarding world and urban spaces. This book offers a historical perspective on the evolution of skateboarding culture from the 1950s to the present day, examining the ways in which skateboarders have engaged with the city as a site for creative expression, social interaction, and political resistance. It provides thought-provoking insights into how urban design, public policy, and social norms have impacted skateboarding culture, and how skateboarders have responded to these challenges.

One of the book's strengths is its multidisciplinary approach, drawing on a range of disciplines, including architecture, urban studies, sociology, and cultural studies, to offer a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of skateboarding's relationship with the city. The book is also visually stunning, filled with beautiful photographs, illustrations, and diagrams that capture the energy, style, and creativity of street skating and skateboarders in urban environments.

Overall, "Skateboarding and the City" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of skateboarding, as well as those interested in the ways in which people interact with urban spaces. It offers a unique perspective on the relationship between skateboarding and the city, and is definitely worth checking out.

The History of Skateboarding

The History of Skateboarding" by Stuart Nicholson is a comprehensive book that traces the evolution of skateboarding from its early days in the 1950s to the present day. The book covers the rise of skateboarding in the 1970s, the birth of professional skateboarding, and the development of skateboarding culture. It includes interviews with influential skateboarders, designers, and industry figures, as well as photographs and illustrations that bring the history of skateboarding to life.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in skateboarding or the history of action sports. It provides an in-depth look at the origins of skateboarding and how it has evolved over time, as well as the cultural impact it has had on youth culture and popular culture. "The History of Skateboarding" is a great gift for skateboarding enthusiasts, students of sports history, or anyone who wants to learn more about this exciting and dynamic sport. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the sport's rich history and culture.

Conclusion

Reading skateboarding books can be an excellent way to improve your skills as a skater. These books can provide you with a deeper understanding of the history and culture of skateboarding, as well as insights into the techniques and styles of influential skaters. By reading about the experiences and perspectives of legendary and professional skateboarders, you can gain inspiration and motivation to push yourself to new heights in your own skating. Additionally, skateboarding books may offer tips and advice on everything from basic maneuvers to more advanced tricks, helping you to hone your skills and develop your own unique style. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, reading skateboarding books can be an enjoyable and enriching way to enhance your skateboarding experience.