Phaidon and Converse have collaborated to release a new book called "Skateboard" which showcases the evolution of skateboard design and culture from the 1950s to the present day.
Curated by renowned designer and skater Jonathan Olivares, the book features over 100 skateboard deck designs, from the earliest handmade wooden decks to the first commercially-made deck manufactured in Southern California in 1956 (or 1959 or 1963, depending on whom you ask).
The book traces significant design, aesthetics, and cultural shifts through seventy years of skateboarding history.
It features gorgeous photographic breakdowns of decks, technical details, historical context, and behind-the-scenes style anecdotes. Skateboarders like Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, and Mark Gonzales are also featured.
All boards featured in the book are photographed to scale to highlight design details and evolutionary changes.
Converse has partnered with Phaidon to support the book's publication. Members of Converse's global skate team have contributed to the project.
The book features an introduction by Paul 'Professor' Schmitt and an epilogue by legendary pro skaters Lance Mountain and Tommy Guerrero.
You can purchase the book here.