"With a subtle and playful curved

line of graphite, Touko Laaksonen

changed how the world perceived

the homosexual male."

- Instinct magazine, U.S.

The artist: Touko Laaksonen , who would become Tom of Finland (1920-1991),

began drawing cartoons at age five. His experiences as a young

soldier in WWII provided much of his artistic inspiration, and while he worked

in the Finnish advertising industry, he secretly created erotic drawings of

hyper-masculine men. His work first appeared in the American magazine

Physique Pictorial in 1957 and the Tom of Finland legend was born. Tom's art

continues to play an important role in promoting self-confidence, positive

self-image and openness in the gay community.

The editor: Dian Hanson was a 25-year veteran of men's magazine

publishing before becoming Taschen's Sexy Book editor in 2001. Her

magazines included Puritan, Outlaw Biker, Juggs, Tight and Leg Show.

Her recent books for Taschen include The Big Butt Book and The Art

of George Quaintance.