Reviews
“You'll be wowed by the moving, even majestic origin stories of chefs of all stripes in KNIVES & INK.” – Elle
“One of the fall's most unusual books is a gorgeous look at the tattoos (and the stories behind them) of 65 chefs, some famous, some not.” – Entertainment Weekly's "Must-Read Books of the Fall",
“This follow up to Fitzgerald and MacNaughton's awesome Pen & Ink is a beautifully illustrated collection of chefs' tattoos and the stories behind them. The tales behind the ink are as varied and vibrant as the body art they explain, and reveal a diversity of life experiences--troubles and triumphs both.” – Nylon, “Must-Read List”
“Sharp, fresh and needed . . . The tattoos are merely the doorway into this world . . . It's the characters and their humanity that make Knives & Ink so readable.” – San Francisco Chronicle
“A gorgeous and illuminating glimpse into whole worlds: meals cooked, loves lost, and lives lived.” – Rachel Khong, Executive Editor, Lucky Peach
“In this lovely, funny, occasionally absurd, frequently very moving book, the figure of the tattooed chef -- so often reduced to a clichéd pork-belly punchline -- takes on a beautiful humanity. Its pages prove that it's no surprise that the men and women who work in kitchens are often drawn to the indelibility of tattoos; their stories of both food and ink are told in languages of passion, art, memory, and identity.” – Helen Rosner, Executive Editor, Eater
“Through its sheer variety of tattoos, stories, and recipes, Knives & Ink celebrates the incredible creativity, passion, and inspiration to be found in the culinary community. A fantastic book.” – Jamie Bissonnette, Best Chef Northeast, James Beard Foundation Awards,
“Every tattoo, like every dish, has a distinct personality. These portraits, both lighthearted and complex, will make you see chefs in a whole new way. Plus, it's so much fun!” – John Gorham, four-time James Beard Awards nominee,
“Whether the subjects are showing off a motivational phrase, honoring a loved one lost with angel wings, or celebrating the bounty of fruits and vegetables in a bright sleeve, these chefs lay bare the inspirations behind their tattoos and their reasons for joining the culinary ranks. Knives & Ink is a moving read as well as feast for the eyes.” – CraveOnline
“[The] stories are alternately cheeky and poignant--but regardless of who they are and where they cook, Knives & Ink offers another look into the creative, scrappy, food-filled lives of some of our favorite chefs. ” – Food & Wine.com
“Knives & Ink is the perfect intersection of everything we find delicious--beautifully-told stories, tattoos, food, recipes, confessions . . . You'll constantly find new things on every page, and as you dig in, you'll be moved by more than just your hunger.” – Tattoodo.com
“Fitzgerald and MacNaugton are back with a new book of lovingly illustrated tattoos and the stories behind them. ” – Brooklyn Magazine
“Absolutely delightful from cover to cover.” – Maria Popova, Brainpickings, "The Best Art, Design, and Photography Books of 2014," on PEN & INK
“The revelations in this remarkable collection are, in turns, poignant, charming, heartbreaking, and honest. Like tattoos, these stories leave an impression that will linger.” – Roxane Gay, on PEN & INK,
“Each ink drawing is a secret story. What I love most about this book is that it doesn't cover just huge sleeves and complicated tattoos, it also honors the newly popular (again) art of poke-and-stick tattoos.” – "Best Illustrated Books", Design*Sponge on PEN & INK
“Oh my god, this gorgeous, gorgeous book. It will, like its subject, alter you permanently. We sometimes forget: each tattoo has its story. Many are lovingly recorded here--from the wicked to the profound to the ridiculous. This gorgeous, gorgeous book perfectly chronicles the stories that we wear on our skin.” – Colin Meloy, lead singer of The Decemberists, on PEN & INK,
“Inspired . . . Drawn in a whimsical, tender style, MacNaughton's portraits are captivating in their intimacy . . . Without judgment or regret, this emotionally raw collection, featuring an introduction by Cheryl Strayed, explores how we find permanence in an impermanent world.” – Publishers Weekly on PEN & INK
“For anybody who ever looked at a stranger's tattoo and wondered why?, Pen & Ink offers a gorgeous, hilarious, and moving Because. In its pages, the most amateurish, outlandish, and bizarre tattoos become portals into their owners' lives and dreams. In the process, they become beautiful.” – Peter Trachtenberg, author of SEVEN TATTOOS, on PEN & INK,