From Booklist
If spilling into the mainstream betokens a subculture losing its allure, Kilpatrick's cute compendium may be sounding the death knell for goth. Kilpatrick plucked "ninety-five anonymous goths" off the Net to answer 125 questions and thereby serve as "
The [cross]
Section" responsible for the findings in a book that caused--"fortunately for me," she notes--"a bidding war . . . among several publishers." Her informants often sent photographs, many of which accompany snippets of their responses in some of the book's dandy marginalia. Although very much about and for contemporary embracers of the goth lifestyle, this is a user-friendly tome that briefly addresses the historical, big-g Goths, drawing parallels and illuminating influences on today's small-g goths. Not that it's all serious historical analysis. Among the delicious contemporary topics covered are "Cemetery Picnics and Other Diversions," "Sex and the Single goth," and "Existential Questions for goth Bar-and-club Owners." Summarizes Kilpatrick, "Nobody knows what modern goth is about, but the simplest truth is this: Goth is a state of mind."
Mike TribbyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Product Description
What you don't know about goths could fill a book! An artistic culture that revels in the Victorian romantic movement, The goth Bible brings to light the traditions and history of all that is goth. The goth culture has been one of the most controversial and maligned in media history. Presented as homicidal, suicidal and socio-pathic, in the national consciousness goths are coupled with everyone from Marilyn Mason to the murderers of Columbine. But this is not who the goths are. The goth Bible will help bridge the understanding between goths and non-goths. From their historical origins as a Germanic tribe in the sixth century who fought along side the Romans against the Huns to their current incarnation as creatures of the night, The goth Bible presents the most complete and broad perspective of this society, culled from hundreds of interviews with bands, artist, designers, and goths from all walks of life.
