International icon of black ink, artist Michael (GIANT) LeSage incorporates a broad swathe of influences and skills in the creation of a singular, unmistakable aesthetic. Mikes central practice, drawing, is informed by his training in architectural drafting, his illustrious career as a tattooist and worldwide exploits writing on walls. In his latest and most complete monograph, the reader will enjoy photos of perfectly executed tattoos, page after page of Mikes inscrutable tattoo flash, hand lettering nonpareil, and tons of drawings, graffiti pieces and action shots. GIANTs worldwide travels — inking people, places and finer drawing paper around the world from Amsterdam to London, Thailand, Toronto, New York and back home to San Francisco are also given due prominence. Buddhism, track bikes, designing for apparel brand Rebel8, and painting fill Lesages hours, but at the end of the day, it all comes full circle, back to his unwaveringly mindful solid black lines.

Like Graffiti World, Freight Train Graffiti is the definitive history of a vibrant art form. Until now there was almost no written insight into this vast subculture, which inspires fascination across America and around the world. As dazzling as the art it celebrates, the book is packed with 1,000 full-color illustrations and features in-depth interviews with more than 125 train artists and writers. Hundreds of never-before-seen photographs span the style's evolution, while the authoritative text from an all-star team of authors provides unprecedented perspective, including the first-ever written history of monikers, the precursors of graffiti, developed by hobos and rail workers to communicate en route. Bound to surprise graffiti artists, graphic designers, and urban culture buffs alike, this book will inspire anyone who has ever been interested in graffiti.