The goth Bible: A Compendium for the Darkly Inclined

a very good introduction about the goth lifestyle and goth interests. Does not really address common problems goths often face, how to handle situations of rejection, ridicule, cat calls, etc. Seems like it could say the same things in less word count. Plenty of real life examples and full of ideas. Explains common goth interests well, covers art, music, relationships, hobbies, almost all aspects of goth life. great background and explanation on the history of the subculture, notable events, people, artwork, writings, and the appeal of each is explained. HP Lovecraft, Elvira, Poe, black roses, notable cemeteries, all such are included. I tried about 10 of the websites the book mentioned, some work, but many no longer exist or the magazine / product the book mentioned for the referenced website is no longer available. not the book's fault, but still, I stopped trying the websites in the book. book was published in 2004, so at the time of this review, that makes it 8 years old. Good if you want to learn about goth lifestyle or you are goth and need some background on the subculture or want to get plenty of ideas for the goth activities and interests.

This is a very comprehensive look at all things goth. History, music, religion, fashion, art, and fetishes are all in there. It also includes lots of fun to read testimonials from modern goths. At times the amount of specific information is a bit overwhelming but hey...the more the merrier.

Took forever to get here, hence the 4 star instead of 5. Charge me more for faster shipping next time. Wasn’t worth the wait. The contents of the book are quite interesting and so I am happy that I finally received my order. I should mention the book came from the U.K. Who knows how long it was hung up in Customs? Overall satisfied with the purchase of the Goth Bible. Can’t wait to dive in!!!

I really enjoyed reading this. I especially liked all of the links for online resources. There's a lot of info here. If you're already familiar with the Goth lifestyle, then reading this is like reminiscing. If you don't know anything about Goths, this book will answer your every question. I also learned a few things I didn't know, such as the meanings of certain colors. I've always been a little Gothic, so this book was definitely for me.

I haven't read the book and no im not about to go and call all of you posers. The other reviewer that said if you shop at hottopic your a poser is wrong. Its just clothes. A poser is defined as some one who is pretending to be something their not...if you feel you are true to your self then you are and thats all that matters. Reading a book like this is informational and should not be the the guide to make your self Goth. If your goth then your goth...you shouldnt use a book to be goth...that WILL make you a poser. Its always fun to learn about new things and to see someone elses point of view on things so I say go read it.

With a title like "The Goth Bible", I had expected something like a Gothic guidepost, with some good bands to listen to and see if you like, how to make your crappy poetry rhyme and suck a little less, some makeup advice, maybe a section on how to make clothing- which is a long way of saying, a good book any Goth would do well to read and maybe get some pointers from, and if nothing else, find enjoyable. Instead, after reading the whole thing, I couldn't tell you exactly what it's about. There's a lot of information, but it's disjointed, interspersed with odds pieces of select people's opinions, and doesn't seem to go anywhere. But there is a lot of information in here, so you may like it anyway. I wouldn't call it bad, but it's not at all what I was hoping for.

From Punk rocker to Goth, that always gets me, but now I have a full understanding of this culture.

I bought this for my friend for Christmas and he loved it! Would repurchase for myself.

This is exactly as expected. :) A good read for anyone who is thinking of becoming Goth, but is a bit "thick" for knowledge. Still, a good compendium to have in any Goth's library.

informative guide helpful in areas not helpful with dealings with other people the product arrived 2 months earlier than expected, and was in perfect condition.

a very good introduction about the goth lifestyle and goth interests. Does not really address common problems goths often face, how to handle situations of rejection, ridicule, cat calls, etc. Seems like it could say the same things in less word count. Plenty of real life examples and full of ideas. Explains common goth interests well, covers art, music, relationships, hobbies, almost all aspects of goth life. great background and explanation on the history of the subculture, notable events, people, artwork, writings, and the appeal of each is explained. HP Lovecraft, Elvira, Poe, black roses, notable cemeteries, all such are included. I tried about 10 of the websites the book mentioned, some work, but many no longer exist or the magazine / product the book mentioned for the referenced website is no longer available. not the book's fault, but still, I stopped trying the websites in the book. book was published in 2004, so at the time of this review, that makes it 8 years old. Good if you want to learn about goth lifestyle or you are goth and need some background on the subculture or want to get plenty of ideas for the goth activities and interests.

This is a very comprehensive look at all things goth. History, music, religion, fashion, art, and fetishes are all in there. It also includes lots of fun to read testimonials from modern goths. At times the amount of specific information is a bit overwhelming but hey...the more the merrier.

Took forever to get here, hence the 4 star instead of 5. Charge me more for faster shipping next time. Wasn’t worth the wait. The contents of the book are quite interesting and so I am happy that I finally received my order. I should mention the book came from the U.K. Who knows how long it was hung up in Customs? Overall satisfied with the purchase of the Goth Bible. Can’t wait to dive in!!!

I really enjoyed reading this. I especially liked all of the links for online resources. There's a lot of info here. If you're already familiar with the Goth lifestyle, then reading this is like reminiscing. If you don't know anything about Goths, this book will answer your every question. I also learned a few things I didn't know, such as the meanings of certain colors. I've always been a little Gothic, so this book was definitely for me.

I haven't read the book and no im not about to go and call all of you posers. The other reviewer that said if you shop at hottopic your a poser is wrong. Its just clothes. A poser is defined as some one who is pretending to be something their not...if you feel you are true to your self then you are and thats all that matters. Reading a book like this is informational and should not be the the guide to make your self Goth. If your goth then your goth...you shouldnt use a book to be goth...that WILL make you a poser. Its always fun to learn about new things and to see someone elses point of view on things so I say go read it.

With a title like "The Goth Bible", I had expected something like a Gothic guidepost, with some good bands to listen to and see if you like, how to make your crappy poetry rhyme and suck a little less, some makeup advice, maybe a section on how to make clothing- which is a long way of saying, a good book any Goth would do well to read and maybe get some pointers from, and if nothing else, find enjoyable. Instead, after reading the whole thing, I couldn't tell you exactly what it's about. There's a lot of information, but it's disjointed, interspersed with odds pieces of select people's opinions, and doesn't seem to go anywhere. But there is a lot of information in here, so you may like it anyway. I wouldn't call it bad, but it's not at all what I was hoping for.

From Punk rocker to Goth, that always gets me, but now I have a full understanding of this culture.

I bought this for my friend for Christmas and he loved it! Would repurchase for myself.

This is exactly as expected. :) A good read for anyone who is thinking of becoming Goth, but is a bit "thick" for knowledge. Still, a good compendium to have in any Goth's library.

informative guide helpful in areas not helpful with dealings with other people the product arrived 2 months earlier than expected, and was in perfect condition.

I made it through this book barely but it was definitely kind of boring. It is way to deeply a documentary and the pictures are not impressive. If you can buy it used, I would recommend doing it, otherwise not so great.

A well-written text that explains the goth sub culture in all of its aspects. Whether it is music, literature or even fashion that illuminates your 'darker side', this book contains everything relevent to the topic.

Since I'm still kind of new to the whole goth thing. I've been reading about the history, music and dress in goth. This book was a great wealth of knowledge and insight on the goth lifestyle.

To be truthful, just skimmed through some of it. But, it looks like its going to be a good read. Just like the Gothic Charm School book was. Can't wait!

This has become a very interesting book for me. I have always been intrigued by the dark realms. Awesome info

:)

Great Gift Quick Delivery Thankj You

A great book for anyone even mildly curious about the goth subculture.

First and foremost, i'd like to state the following to certain critics: don't you think it's a little ironic that YOU are judging a book by the cover? By the way... No one cares how you spell poser. Really? It's 2013 and this is still occurring? You insist that a persons worth lies upon how you spell a word? Well. You're certainly mature and intellectual. Good for you! The Goth Bible is a book I gifted to a friend, after reading it numerous times over the years. It isn't what one would expect from such a title. Inside you'll find a variety of things, from lists of different "sub types"(examples: industrial, punk, vamp, Victorian, cyber etc) and the differences between them when it comes to garb, music, and so on... to sections on music, fashion, art and more. There are even passages on big topics like marriage and religion to more trivial but just as interesting things like gardening, decor, absinthe and food. You will even find small projects, recipes, discussions, jokes, interviews, lists, all compiled. The book is not only speaking for the author but for a large group of extremely diverse people (artists, writers, people working in the corporate world, models, musicians, mothers, fathers, single, married, young, old, gay, straight, American, European, Asian, men, women... on and on). You will get many points of views, which I found interesting and refreshing. At times it was a wee bit chatty and I remember wanting to hear more elaboration on certain topics. It is printed on stark white paper. All the photography is monochromatic and has a beautiful gritty and raw feel to it. The whole book has that distinct feel to it. The book may not be something to sit and read through... but it is a witty, charming little piece that can definitely be enjoyed by the right audiences.

I bought this book six years ago when I had only a basic understanding of what goth culture was. While this book should not be used as an indisputable guide to the subculture, it does offer enough information to help a beginner decide what type of goth he would like to label himself as. The strongest chapters in the book deal with fashion. The book offers a brief over view of the various fashion styles that fit within the umbrella of goth. This should give any baby bat ideas for how they would like to dress. They cover several of the lesser known styles like the China girl look. The music section of the book was rather sparse. At the time this book was written it failed to really bring people into the most important part of the subculture. With modern social networking sites and Youtube it shouldn't be as big a deal. The rest of the book is primarily of use to people who simply want to know about the hobbies that many goths have, rather than goths themselves. If you aren't into gardening to begin with you most likely won't develop a green thumb solely as a result of your involvement in the scene. And if you are wanting a source of information about comics and movies that are popular with goths, the internet or the book Goth Chic will be of far more use. Overall a very good book, and a fun read. It is not, however, a bible to the scene.

This is actually the very first charming Goth book. We have had a few Goth epics in recent years, from my Net-based tome, to Paul Hodkinson's academic study, Gavin Baddeley coming from a Metal perspective, and Dave Thompson rummaging through the eighties. What is unusual here is that Nancy Kilpatrick hasn't any ego-driven agenda, and has actively sought out Goth opinions to decorate each chapter with. 95 Goths answered 125 questions each to form an alternative spine to this work and it makes it a very different book to the rest. Nancy is best known as a Horror writer but she is a Goth, and clearly delighted to be writing the book, as she also wants this book to help others understand Goth. You get serious contributions on sex/relationships/Fetish/marriage/Goth children/Corporate Goth/Goth homes, Art and Literature (Old and New), and it ends with a chapter on the Future, even if that felt a little skimpy. Basically, she goes through things that effect Goth life, from clothes to accoutrements, to relationships, religion, cemeteries, architecture, music and all the expected areas, with quotes and photos from her Goths interviews draping pages like curtains, as their comments go down the outer columns to most spreads. Those interviewed within the chapter text tend to be business-related individuals pertinent to the topic in question. So, in the Fashion or Lifestyle sections you have many a Goth contribution, but also meet Morpheus of Siren, R. Hunter Gough of `Gother Than Thou', Fred H. Berger of Propaganda, Terri of Ipso Facto, Natasha of Meltdown, Steven Of Gothic Beauty, Trish & Snooky of Manic Panic, Sonia (Hair Police), AntiSally (Goth Rosary), the Alchemy boys, Batty (Azrael's Accomplice), Mirabai (Tenebrae) Doktor Joy (Pennangalan Dreams), piercer Pierre Black and those lovely X-tra-X people. You can find a proper analyses of Absinthe, then on a similar vein find the weird story of how Michael Marchet finally got Vampire wine onto the market. Out of one area another little bubble will pop, making it a very pleasant read with unexpected dalliances emerging. The only disappointing part of me was a curious lack of musical coverage but Nancy has admitted the music side of thing isn't her strong point. She looked for willing musical contributors and some of what they say is unusual. Oh Hell, you get Clubs, and zines, net.goth, net habits, comics, gardening, Goth sub-species, and so on. It's a big book, commendably detailed in its travels to the heart of Goth and it is, without doubt, the most naturally jubilant, Goth-friendly, book which has so far been printed.

Overall this book was o.k. The book talks about the early beginnings of the goth subculture in the 1980s and how it has become what it is today and then brings in some of the subculture's lifestyle outlook for the very few who might be interested in this. She also gives a brief introduction to some of the music that is notable in the scene. However, for people who support the idea or who are looking for a partner who shares similar interests, the Author of this book tends to brush it under the rug stating that most “Goths tend to date or marry the opposite from them.” You get the hint that she’s trying to say that this is good it is this way. From firsthand, I can tell you that I nearly wasted eight years of my life while involved with the gothic scene attending clubs and concerts, hoping that eventually, I would meet someone who was just as passionate as I was about the subculture. It’s not because I’m not attractive or not smart. It’s quite the opposite of that. Don’t get me wrong; I love the music and the fashion, but there’s more to life than just that. If you are looking for a more serious group to join I would suggest joining a spiritual or political movement. The hippie movement (not to be confused with a subculture) was legit, and they took their lifestyle very seriously. To this day, the Neo hippie movement continues to carry on some of the same traditions and cultural beliefs that the original hippie movement believed in. Don’t get me wrong, the Gothic scene could evolve into something much better in the future, but I don’t see things changing much, and it’s that same rut that hurts the subculture and causes people to lose faith in it.

For the most part, the real important part of this book has got to be the first two chapters. I say this because it overly stresses the most mportant part of the culture. That is, that gothic is what is on the inside, and though it's always a good idea to express ones self on the outside, it is not necessary. The rest of the book just shows things that goths tend to do, and are interested in. Other helpfull things are the mention of gothic artists and writers. One of the few problems, though, was the unmention of the first gothic novel, either it's there and i missed it or it isn't there, but the mention of Horace Walpole should have been there. One other problem was that some of the things mentiond about goths made it sound that in order to feel gothic there were things you must buy. Sometimes i thought that, that was what it looked like, but wasn't actually what was said. I believe that some of the book was worded in a way that can cause confusion for those who don't normally know much about it. One last thing, was that i wished there would have been a spot about those that are gothic and those who actively particapate in the scene. In other words those who aren't into clubs as oppossed to those who are. Don't get me wrong, it sounds like i'm complaining too much, but this is a great informational book that everyone should read.

I bought this book by Nancy Kilpatrick when I first became interested in goth subculture about a year ago. This book let me dive head first into the beautiful lush dark world with an open heart and mind. I love it to pieces! Becoming goth for me was a lonely road being that I took the transform at such a later age than most (26) and no one around me seemed to quite understand me. This book was like walking into a room of kindred spirits who all smiled and welcomed me warmly. I have a passion for learning and understanding so when I do anything I like to know Im immersing myself in. This book is definately a "Bible" for darkly inclined. You dont have to define yourself as a goth but simply someone who is interested in subcultures or maybe the music, whatever your reason I certainly recommend this book. It went into the history and then moves forward. Nancy writes with a wonderful passion and I feel she understands goths. She contributed to making me the happy darkling I am today. This book details history and origins of goth, the media associates with goth and shows that being goth isnt a terrible thing. Being different is a wonderful thing so Nancy encourages us to embrace it with open arms. Even if you dont consider yourself goth perhaps this book will bring enlightenment of a new subculture and delicious world that you were previously afraid of. If you are a parent unsure of your children's pending gothic transformation, maybe you should read it yourself then give it to them as a token of understanding. If you are older like me and need understanding and acceptance then find it here in the pages of the well written compendium. It even references my most favourite corset/victorian/gothic wear store in Sydney Australia so that made it even better in my eyes :) PS. Feel free to contact me to discuss anything goth, i welcome any interaction with other dark individuals

I Only wish that it was bigger. More More More. I enjoyed it, being a 30-something goth who has seen and done it all at some point. But still, it is nice to know that there are other people out there that have the same sense of goth humor and choose to live that beautiful and misunderstood lifestyle. Some of it is laughable, some is beautiful, nonetheless several times throughout the book I was reminded of how and why I "became goth" pardon the cliche'...and I reminisced about the wonderful music and people I knew during certain periods of my punk/goth/mod/new-wave/new romantic/artrockbeatnikpagan phases. I wish Nancy Kilpatrick, Voltaire (who wrote the "Oh My Goth" comics and has several cds) and Brandon Neil Ragan (who wrote the gothic cult classic "Grey Garden") would all get together and write the official "GOTH-UMENTARY". They seem like they could pull off the ultimate gothic coffee table book. Anyway, thanks for the cool book

OK, I skimmed this a few times at local bookstores. Interesting and useful as far as acquainting people with an increasingly invisible subculture goes, I suppose, and one that had its heyday 20 or more years ago. The question is: apart from a certain cultural historical interest...so what? 'Goth' these days strikes me as an exercise in 80s nostalgia, a 'dark' equivalent of the earlier 50s nostalgia as expressed by Sha-Na-Na and 'Happy Days'. Sure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, Bauhaus, etc were excellent bands, and generally superior and much more able to hold one's interest and attention over time than most other post-punk/New Wave bands of the decade with a similar sound. But let's face reality: a lot of music that has arisen since is FAR, FAR more 'gothy'[in a general sense] than those bands, such as Doom and Black metal, as well as Dark Ethereal. But that's less important than the fact that the notion of 'subcultures' as a whole seems quaint and dated these days: Goths, Hippies, Punks, 'Emos', Surfers, Skaters, Metalheads, etc etc etc It's increasingly difficult to see the point anymore. Why should anyone adopt a 'uniform', a certain look, and and feel compelled to listen to only certain 'approved' or 'canonical' bands, hold only approved and sanctioned views, have only certain circumscribed tastes, all for the purpose of passing muster with the self-appointed popes of a particular subculture? If you're a fully rounded human being with a wide variety of tastes and inclinations, you can't help but soon feel suffocated by the strictures of whatever 'subculture' you're trying to join. Soon you realize that the time for these social experiments has ended, and not a moment too soon. I can't end this without concluding on a positive note: of all the subcultures, some aspects of Goth are the most attractive and interesting of the lot. I share many of the tastes, inclinations and interests of self-described Goths, as in the darker, more hidden and occult aspects of life, and from a literary point of view they seem to have fairly good taste. As far as look goes, goth fashions, if not over-the-top, look especially good on certain women. Male goth fashion is far less convincing and attractive, sadly.

the sections i read of this book were insiteful and awesome. i bought this book for my research paper and boy did it help me! there were so many things i didn't know about goths and some things i thought i knew were wrong. i wish whoever typed the book had used another format. as much as it is cute, it was hard for me to read. also, maybe the language was weird. it was almost written in a Shakespearean form lol. overall, it was a very nice book to add to my collection.

This is a very cool book and am very happy to have. Well worth the money spent.

This is basically a book of opinions on what goth is and what goth isn't. There are a lot of basic facts about different aspects of the subculture, but nothing really new that hasn't been done before by other authors. I would like to state that the people calling others 'poseur' in this review section don't have a clue about the subculture. It was originally about being yourself, but according to them you have to be a sheep. Please don't think that all people into the subculture are immature morons.

As a goth who lives in a city with no other goth friends, I thankfully have my books, music and movies to keep me sane. This book is one of them. I am glad for Ms. Kilpatrick in that she created a book in which goths and non-goths could appreciate it, especially in this day and age in which this country tolerates goth people but does not fully accept the lifestyle. In fact, I have noticed more and more books that have been published lately concerning the goth subculture, forcing people to look at us and realize that, although we do dress in black and may not follow the path of normal, we still are people who feel, think, love and hate and laugh sometimes. The book was researched well and I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that some of the people she interviewed were over the age of 25, especially since I am 30 myself. Overall, a very good book and a very good attempt at explaining our way of life.

I knew I had to have this book when I read only a few pages at the local library. I recommend this to anyone who is curious about learning about the Goth lifestyle.

I highly recommend this. I'm gothy and have browsed most of the books on the subject. This is great because it doesn't cover just goth fashion and music, but art, culture, general goth philosophy/leanings, with a dash of humour. Anyone can google a list of goth band names or find some mass produced goth clothing shops (yes, purists are raising hackles at this) but this gets more to the mindset of the subculture. A bit dated, but that's bound to happen. If you are looking for something to buy your black-clad teen, or you just want a kickass coffee table book, purchase this.

this book is ok to skim thru and look up stuff........ i first sat down and read the whole thing....... then after that i kept looking up the web sites for certain things...... its more useful that way...... But if your into this sorta thing get it..... Im happy i did......

Good information book. Had lots of stuff about the Goth movement I wasn't aware of but am glad I know now. Seemed a little bit depressing, I understand that Goth is a mostly emotional subculture, but being a perky Goth, as I am most of the time, I found it a little more sad, I think being Goth should be a fun wonderful part of you, not a death sentence.

This was such a wonderful and comprehensive read, from the new dark child of the night to the original old school goths this book covers everything from style, history, fashion, literature, music and everything in between. A must read for anybody that is curious or already apart of this subculture I definitely recommend this book, not only does it offer insight from those living in the gothic lifestyle but those that are the ones that created it all those years ago will most definitely have a wonderful nostalgic read when they remember what defined them in this lifestyle in the first place.

This book is a comprehensive and touching look at the Goth world. It covers a broad spectrum, and treats the subject with respect and not the usual sarcasm one expects and sees in books about Goths. The only thing I find disturbing are the 3 childish individuals who have commented here, none of which are reviews, and at least one of which hasn't read the book. I think it must be sad for the author to have to come here and read such drivel. If you've read the book, and her webpages that go with it, you will see it took her over two years and some hardship to produce this work. How shabby that anybody would trash it just because they're having a bad hair day. I've been goth for two decades, and proud of it. This book nicely reflects my lifestyle and that of other long term goths. All I can say is kindergoths, grow up!