Briefly explores the history of body modification and beautification methods, like tattoos, or foot binding in China--which were often strange or even considered disgusting by today's standards--from the time of ancient Egypt up to the twenty-first century. Includes a timeline and glossary.

Chapter 1. The ancient world ; Don't be a bighead! ; Piercing ; Scarification -- Chapter 2. The Middle Ages ; Tiny feet ; So macho ; Female silhouettes -- Chapter 3. The early modern age ; Body alteration ; Tattoo you -- Chapter 4. The nineteenth century ; Where are the legs? ; Breathe in! ; The female shape -- Chapter 5. The twentieth century ; Build the body! ; Under the knife -- Chapter 6. The twenty-first century ; Ink fest.