Tony Hawk Book order (chronological)

The dynamic images from the analog era found in Behind the Lens demonstrate why Grant Brittain has become one of the most widely-recognized skateboard photographers on the planet. Brittain has been at the epicenter of California skateboarding since landing a job at Del Mar Skate Ranch in 1978. Brittain started shooting Kodachrome at Del Mar in 1979, and within a few years he was submitting photographs to TransWorld Skateboarding magazine, going on to become Photo Editor there shortly thereafter. In 1987, "The Push," a photo of Tod Swank made the cover of TransWorld, becoming one of the most recognizable photos in all of skateboarding. J Grant Brittain has mentored dozens of budding photographers while achieving the status of icon to skateboarders around the world. It's high time the world gets a chance to see this collection of his work from the 1980s that has inspired so many.

For Tony Hawk, two decades of skating, inventing over eighty tricks, and winning countless contests weren't enough. He endured severe injuries, including multiple concussions, fractured ribs, and torn ligaments, all while striving to land the elusive 900. After thirteen years of failed attempts, he succeeded in executing a trick that had never been done before. Growing up in Sierra Mesa, California, Tony was a hyperactive child with an IQ of 144, known for his tantrums and disruptive behavior. His life changed when his brother gifted him a skateboard, and his father built a ramp, providing an outlet for his energy. Despite facing ridicule for his skating style and being labeled a "circus skater," his determination led to professional success, transforming him into a pioneer of a new skating style. In his narrative, Tony shares the less glamorous aspects of skateboarding, from performing in see-through shorts on Italian TV to battling food poisoning during a demo in Brazil. He recounts wild experiences with teammates and the unpredictable nature of the skateboard industry, where his income fluctuated dramatically. The greatest challenge he faced was the loss of his father, Frank Hawk, his biggest supporter. With honesty, Tony reflects on love, loss, and the influences that shaped his life while recounting his experiences with skating legends and offering insights into the sport's past and future.