Whether you’re new to body piercing or a seasoned professional looking to connect more deeply with the roots of the craft, there’s a rich body of literature out there that has shaped how we understand piercing today. These books, magazines, and periodicals capture the evolution of piercing as both an art and a cultural movement.
Here’s a curated list of the most influential publications in the world of body piercing—with insights into why they matter.
📚 Books That Paved the Way
1. The Piercing Bible by Elayne Angel
This comprehensive guide by Elayne Angel remains one of the most trusted resources for clients and professionals alike. It covers everything from anatomy and placement to healing and jewelry options, all written by a pioneer in the piercing world.
2. Running the Gauntlet by Fakir Musafar
A deeply personal and philosophical look at the Modern Primitive movement and body modification, this book by Fakir Musafar is part memoir, part history. It explores the spiritual and transformative aspects of piercing and ritual practice.
3. Body & Self (Edited by Don Lessem)
This anthology looks at body modification—including piercing—as a means of identity expression, culture-making, and embodiment. A great read for those interested in the psychological and sociological dimensions of piercing.
📖 Groundbreaking Magazines & Periodicals
4. PFIQ (Piercing Fans International Quarterly)
Founded by Jim Ward, the creator of Gauntlet, PFIQ was the first publication dedicated entirely to piercing. Running from 1977 through the 1990s, it combined education, personal stories, technique insights, and style trends—shaping the early professional community.
5. The Point (Published by the Association of Professional Piercers)
This is the APP’s official publication, featuring articles by respected professionals on sterilization, jewelry materials, legislation, client safety, and more. It’s peer-reviewed and continues to be a trusted source for continuing education in the field.
6. Body Play and Modern Primitives Quarterly
Also created by Fakir Musafar, this periodical focused on the ritualistic and spiritual side of body modification. It offered a rare and respectful platform for those who viewed piercing as a form of sacred practice or self-discovery.
7. ModCon Documentation (Edited by Shannon Larratt / BMEzine)
ModCon (short for “Modern Convention”) was a private, invite-only event for extreme body modification enthusiasts and practitioners, hosted by Shannon Larratt of BMEzine. The documentation and publications surrounding ModCon became legendary within the community, shedding light on advanced and controversial procedures while fostering intense discussions around ethics, identity, and transformation. Though not widely circulated, its influence continues to be felt in the modern body mod world.
📝 Honorable Mentions
8. Modern Primitives by V. Vale and Andrea Juno
This book is often cited as the beginning of the Modern Primitive movement. Through interviews and photographs, it presents body modification as a cultural and spiritual practice—helping to shift public perception in the 1980s and ’90s.
9. Bodies of Subversion by Margot Mifflin
While it focuses primarily on tattooing, this book is a powerful exploration of how body art intersects with gender, rebellion, and identity. It complements the piercing world by showing how body modification works as a broader social statement.
Why This Matters
These books and periodicals aren’t just for nostalgia—they provide real insight into the values, standards, and evolution of the industry.
If you’re looking to deepen your appreciation for piercing beyond the needle, diving into these texts is the perfect place to start.