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The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth - Paperback

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by John Robb (Author)

This is the first comprehensive history of goth music and culture. 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 goth culture, alongside political and social conditions. Reaching back further into history, he examines key 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 Andrew Eldritch, Killing Joke, Bauhaus, The Cult, The Banshees, The Damned, Einstürzende Neubauten, Johnny Marr, Trent Reznor, Adam Ant, Laibach, The Cure, Nick Cave and many more. It offers a first-hand account of being there at the gigs and clubs that made the scene happen.

Back Jacket

'MAGISTERIAL' - The Times

'A TREAT' - Uncut

'This exhaustive book shows why the dark side is not dead and buried' - Mojo

The art of darkness is the first comprehensive history of goth. Journalist and musician John Robb covers the style, the music and the clubs that spawned goth culture, taking the reader on an epic journey from the dark heart of the psychedelic sixties through post-punk and industrial to the current mainstream goth of Instagram influencers, film, literature and music.

The book features interviews with Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, The Damned, Nick Cave, Southern Death Cult, Einst?rzende Neubauten, Bauhaus, Killing Joke, Throbbing Gristle and many more. It offers a first-hand glimpse into the gigs and clubs that brought the scene to life.

Author Biography

John Robb is a journalist, broadcaster and musician. He is the author of Punk Rock: An Oral History (2006) and the founder of culture website louderthanwar.com. He plays bass in the post-punk band The Membranes.

Number of Pages: 744
Dimensions: 2.05 x 8.5 x 5.43 IN
Illustrated: Yes
Publication Date: October 31, 2023

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$24.95