Rat Fink: The Art of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth 
asked by librarian on October 29, 2006 10:59 PM
Born in Los Angeles and raised in the epicenter of the California hot rod explosion, Ed Roth created automotive forms purely from his own imagination. His hand-built creations and revolutionary techniques transformed car design, reinvented American hot rod culture and put Detroit on notice. Each of his creations transcended function and form to turn the American automobile into rolling sculpture. He fathered a movement known as Lowbrow Art, and his sculpture, design, and illustration inspired underground cartoonists and tattoo artists, and launched the careers of such artists as Robert Williams. This volume features articles, essays, and writing by Ilene Roth, Von Franco, Coop, Todd Schorr, The Pizz, Greg Escalante, and more.
Reviews
This the Big Daddy book to buy if you're trying to decide between this or the Pat Ganahl one. It has a much nicer design (more in keeping with Roth's own original aesthetic), there are more photos (pretty much all color) plus there are a variety of viewpoints from many people who were close to Roth. All aspects of his career are covered; cars, t-shirts, toys, etc. An outstanding book and loving tribute to a legend!
reviewed by speed5599 on November 20, 2006 4:34 AM
This is a really cool book that covers the art and life of Big Daddy Roth; I wish there were more images of crazed drag-racers in it, but even if it were nothing but, I'd still wish there were more. Excellent book and a real value for the amount of art in it.
reviewed by bigben on November 26, 2006 5:11 AM
This book first off is GREAT. I wasn't sure what to expect when i first ordered, but once i got it, i was very impressed and blown away. This not only goes over the history of Ed Roth, but also has a great deal of his work shown in it. From old custom Hot Rods, to his Kustom Cars, to the different Rat finks (surf fink, race fink ,etc) this book is a blessing.
The only thing i would say that it lacked on is that fact it didn't go into great detail on his Kustom Cars that he created in his lifetime. I was expecting to be a great deal more, but since i was more into his art and collabrated art, no harm no foul in my eyes.
If you like Big Daddy Ed Roth in the least, this book is perfect!
joshua
http;//www.hydro74.com
reviewed by casurf on November 26, 2006 6:12 AM
Pretty cool book,it has alot of art if you are a Rat Fink fan,brings back alot of memories.
reviewed by teacher on November 29, 2006 12:57 PM
This book is a great addition to the libraries of all your baby boomer friends influenced by Ed Roth (some of them without even knowing it). I gave copies to friends, cousins, nephews, brothers and have received glowing gratitude from everyone!! Another great book from Douglas Nason and the Copro/Nason gang!!
reviewed by siriusfanboy on November 29, 2006 5:41 PM
