Tom of Finland. The Complete Kake Comics (Bibliotheca Universalis)

Basically, this is a collection of cartoon pornography by one of the greatest exponents of the art. If you haven't heard of Tom of Finland, then this book is the best introduction to his work that's out there. It's a thick book (reference intended) that stands 8" high, and contains hundreds of drawings. Whilst some may claim to own this book as part of an art collection, the rest of look through this book with a different goal in mind, and this book really delivers. The drawings are clear, each given enough space to see all the detail and there's no censoring that I can detect. You might want to create a stand for this thick meaty book whilst you 'read' it, but a strong hand is enough to get a good grip. Highly recommended to all lovers of Tom's work.

I was amazed to find this book on sale here in the U.K. Because it was banned at one time for being too pornographic, what rubbish. If anyone knew the philosophy and retrospect of toms work, it's far from being stuff you would ban. I tried to import some of toms books from the USA in the early 90s but got a very strong letter from customs to say if I tried again I would be arrested! I wrote to toms foundation in America to tell them what had happened and they were outraged. They explained to me that the foundation were trying very hard to get other countries to allow toms work in. They also sent me lots of information on how I could lobby our parliament to help them understand the importance of toms work as heritage of a gay mans roots. It's amazing how the world accepts once its educated to realise there is no harm is present. I can't believe I have written this review either, again, the world comes to terms eventually and we get the freedom to speak out. Well done Amazon for stocking this book and many other books by Tom of Finland. Still, if you have it in your book case it's advisable to keep your eye on it and it's only read by adults, just like all other grown-up stuff!!

Just reissued, this book does brilliant justice to the genius of Tom of Finland. It was the discovery of his drawings which confirmed to me that I was gay. In today's world they look somewhat OTT and very politically incorrect. At the time, they were a morale boosting affirmation of the right of gay men to be proud of their sexuality and to delight in its expression. The book shouts: yes, this is who we are, this is what we do and we rejoice in it. Even today, I doubt if any gay man can fail to be moved, roused and aroused by Tom's brilliant, explicit, triumphalist portrayal of gay men and gay sex.

Pure art. The gay community needs to pay more homage to Tom of Finland and his works - a symbol of gay resistance in the past. What a great coffee table book to have! It's definitely an over-the-top display of sexual confidence to own this book. But as gay men, I think we represent the many taboos of society, and our culture encourages us to discuss or appreciate such things openly; definitely a good thing for social progress!

Worth the money

great value and a beautiful little book.

Ever since I was a young man I have always had an interest in Tom's (Touko Valio Laaksonen) work and it matters not to me if it is Homoerotic, as I am comfortable in my own skin. If you are a male (or female) who is easily offended them give this book a wide berth as this is very explicit however if you choose to look upon this as a piece of educational understanding into the works of a pioneering artist working in the them Homosexual subculture of the 40's to 60's them this is well worth adding to your collection.

These images are so iconic and they are explicit, but they are such a part of gay history. There might be no words, but who needs words when images can leave very little to the imagination. A great book for anyone who loves Tom and his character Kake.