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The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth
£17.10£23.80 (-28%)
This is the first comprehensive history of Goth music and culture. Over 500 pages + photos & illustrations, John Robb explores the origins and legacy of this enduring scene, which has its roots in the post-punk era. Drawing on his own experience as a musician and journalist, Robb covers the style, the music and the clubs that spawned the culture, alongside political and social conditions. He also reaches back farther to key historic events and movements that frame the ideas of Goth, from the fall of Rome to Lord Byron and the Romantic poets, European folk tales, Gothic art and the occult. Finally, he considers the current mainstream Goth of Instagram influencers, film, literature and music. The Art of Darkness features interviews with The Banshees, The Cure, The Damned, Nick Cave, Southern Death Cult, Einstürzende Neubauten, Bauhaus, Killing Joke, Throbbing Gristle, Trent Reznor, Johnny Marr and many more. It offers a first-hand account of being there at the legendary gigs and clubs that made the scene happen.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Manchester University Press (23 Mar. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 600 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1526173204 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1526173201 |
| Dimensions | 15.2 x 3 x 22.9 cm |
by C. Bowden
This is an important, must read book for old goths like me. It rounds up most of the usual suspects and more into sort of gazetteer of bands that created the dark tinged music and themes that directly or even indirectly influence a genre that is actually quite nebulous. “We are not goth!” Has always been the cry of the best goth bands. As Robb says, Goth is a broad church and I do I think he had a more difficult job on his hands than you would think. Really, I feel, his book would be better summed up as post punk, industrial and goth. Post punk is certainly his strongest area of expertise. The band profiles and interviews are very enlightening even though I know lots about 90% of the artists covered. His timelines mesh well together despite a fair bit of repetition. There is also a little too much creative repetition at the beginning of each chapter and I think about 100 pages could be culled without being noticed. I would have liked to see an attempt to explore the reasons why original goths are still so attached to these bands so many years later. Most chapters don’t advance further than the mid 80’s but the very final chapter introduced many newer groups and artists to me. I feel that goth is very influential in black metal which needs to be explored further especially with Cradle of Filth and other harder bands. I would also like it if Robb could have a go at explaining our weird, undying devotion to Siouxsie, The Sisters, The Neph and the Mish, it can’t just be me? All together an excellent book, and one of three out this year so us old Goths are being spoiled.
by Ezz
I have only flicked through it at this point, but can confirm that it mentions all of the obscure bands I have searched for, even if it is in passing and not referenced in the index.
Some are not technically goth (Crass, Poison Girls as an example), some definitely not goth (PWEI) but referenced. from pre-punk, punk & post-punk through to modern music (your milage may vary on modern) it seems comprehensive. To be clear, it is concentrating on the major bands but mentioning the outliers.
As I said, I have had a 5 minute scan of the contents but it is a densly packed book and I am pleased I took the chance and bought it.
by onp10v
Basically- I paid good money for a book and they couldn’t even be bothered to put a cover on it.
Regardless of content, the book looks shabby or stolen when sitting in my Kindle library.
Could someone please fix this lazy ommission?
by Bobby Smith
Really enjoyed this as I was always a big fan of Southern Death Cult and New Model Army. Mentions pretty much every band from the late 1970s early 80s. However, saying that, Mr Robb neglects to discuss Dr & The Medics – who were the number one live attraction during this time and often played with more obviously Goth bands. The other problem is that many European or USA bands did not get a mention. From Germany he could have discussed Goth/punk veterans EA80, who sound like Joy Division on speed (track ‘Hello Goodbye’) or band Love A (‘Alles ist Einfach’ is the best Goth song from the last 40 years), a more melodic alternative . The Ire, from USA, are also a new band who have that classic ‘Goth’ sound – check out the song ‘The Chariot’. Other bands of note are: Razzia, Blut und Eisen, Verbrannte Erde (‘Nachtfahrt’). Happy to discuss if anyone wants other music tips. Enjoy!
by Mrs E Harrison
A masterpiece on an under-rated music genre. What John Robb doesn’t know about music isn’t worth knowing! Having read Punk Rock, an Oral History, I knew this book was also going to be well written and enjoyable too! In fact, this copy purchased from Amazon was actually my 2nd order of the book. It’s that good I wanted to share the love with a friend. Spend your money people – it really is worth it!
by DaveyGravy.
Growing up in the seventies and eighties i saw or listened to most of the band’s in the book but although 90% of the band’s would be on a Goths playlist their more post punk than gothic. It’s well written and written with love for the band’s so for anyone who was there it’s well worth buying but there’s very little about the band’s that are post nineties onwards and next to no mention of the modern gothic scene.
by Deb
Still reading , but so far excellent and accurate portrayal of Goth and social musical history.
by Mr Mark Jones
If you were a Punk in the late 70’s/early 80’s or a Goth early 80’s onwards/ Still are or new to Goth or Punk. Or just generally interested in music and music history, then this book is a must, very informative and interesting, I loved it especially learning facts about bands that were part of my youth that I loved (and Still love) that I didn’t know.
Brilliant book by a brilliant Author
A must buy.
Mark Jones