What is Goth?

Rating:
Summary: A brilliant work of art!
Review: Aah, finally a light-hearted, yet realistic, look at Gothic culture. Voltare is highly respected in the Goth scene as an artist both musically and visually. This book is mainly for people who understand and have some involvement in the culture, and are willing to put up with categorization and self-mockery! However, the author does explain that Goth has no particular limitations; it is very mutable and not static.

This book is brilliant and is beautiful. In no way does it disrespect the scene, for if more "Goths" become infatuated with themselves, embracing egotism and arrogance, the scene continues to deteriorate. One must ride with Change, and understand it as a necessary constant. This book looks at what the culture is now and how it has evolved from its Punk roots.

I recommend this to anybody!.. Not to mention, it's published by Weiser Books, so it's GOT to be good. I'm pleased to have this in my library and use it often for reference. Buy it immediately, it'll be one of the greatest purchases you'll make.

~Colin Smith (OakRaven)~

Rating:
Summary: Thank Goth for Voltaire!
Review: As a long time fan of Voltaire's work, I have come to expect a level of excellence from him, and this book surpasses all my expectations! Simply stated, Voltaire is a genius with words. His quick wit and his wonderful writing talent have combined to give us a most entertaining read.

This, combined with the wonderful photography and illustrations give the reader a look into the life of the Goth that can only be surpassed by living the experience yourself.

If you are Goth, or you have ever wondered about the life of a Goth, or if you just enjoy a bit of humor, you will love reading "What is Goth".



Rating:
Summary: Really fun to read
Review: I've been going to Dragon*Con in Atlanta for years and have been seeing more and more "goth" kids every year. This book is a hilarious - but informative - explanation of what they are and why they look/act the way they do.

If you teenager is acting depressed and wearing black ALL THE TIME. They are probably getting to the Goth scene. Don't panic, read this book and you'll find out what is going on.

Rating:
Summary: Good book on the scene.
Review: This is a great book on the Gothic-Industrial subculture that manages to be humorous without insulting the culture. The author attempts to categorize the different types of goth and uses photographs of models to illustrate the typical style of dress worn by the various goth types. Most goths I know (including myself) fit into more than one category and some goths don't fit into any of them, but still I really like this reference and I think the author did a great job even if it's not the end-all-be-all goth encyclopaedia of the Universe. This really is a good book and I'd recommend it to people who aren't goths and want to know more about them but I'd especially recommend it to people who are part of the scene and would like to know more about different types of goth and have a really good book that I really think celebrates our beloved subculture.

Rating:
Summary: Once Again A Treat From Voltaire
Review: Voltaire does it again. A totally cool volume in his delightful gothic series. I sound so happy because Voltaire makes goths laugh by poking fun at not only goths, but everyone else. I got three great additions to my "goth library" lately. The others being "The goth bible" by Nancy Kilpatrick, and "The Grey Garden" by Brandon Neil Ragan. This one is by far the funniest. A must for any old-fart goth or spooky kid.

Rating:
Summary: he's not french or dead!
Review: Voltaire is delicious! He is a master of all media. He finds the perfect balance of humor in life and this book is just another fine example of it. Buy it, read it, eat it, and then buy another copy after you've digested.

Rating:
Summary: Goth Bless you, Voltaire!
Review: Voltaire is perhaps the most endearing advocate for Goth culture or thee quintessential Goth guru to put it another way. His illuminating new handbook evinces a perceptive and ingeniously entertaining approach to answering that all too elusive question, "What Is Goth?" This is by no means a complete guide to Goth, but more of a concise glimpse into the realm of a thoroughly misunderstood and misrepresented subculture. Within the pages of this little black book, Voltaire accurately and candidly expounds on Goth culture, lifestyle, music, beliefs, and history while simultaneously illustrating common mainstream misconceptions, clichés, and inconsistent stereotypes associated with Goths. My favorite section in the entire book is the chapter entitled, "The Dance of Darkness." I've been to clubs and watched Goth kids as they masquerade across the dance floor while "Pulling the Evil Taffy" and grabbing at the "Cobwebs in the Attic." Whether you're already immersed in the Goth way of life or simply wish to satisfy your own curiosity on the subject, "What Is Goth," is the perfect book for you.