Johannes Stahl’s book, Street Art, is not just a compilation of beautifully illustrated photographs showcasing graffiti throughout the world – this book is an insightful look at the history and transformation of a misunderstood art form. With historical images of wall paintings from the people of Pompeii, to the popularized modern images from artists like Shepard Fairy, Kaws and Banksy, Stahl provides a comprehensive look at the growth and historical connotations of street art.

Graffiti is often times considered to be illegal (street art is only considered to be vandalism when urban walls are painted on without the owner’s approval), have now become gallery-worthy masterpieces that have produced some of the highest selling artists of our generation. Street art is encapsulated with underlying – or not so underlying – social and political commentary that has permeated popular culture in an incredible way.

Stahl’s book, Street Art is a great crash course on how to stop and appreciate “the writing on the wall”.