Goth Subculture Reading List
I have gotten many requests to recommend good books about goth subculture. So! Without further ado, and in no particular order, a non-supernatural Gothic Reading List:
"Goth: Undead Subculture" by Lauren M. E. Goodlad and Michael Bibby
This book is a comprehensive study of the goth subculture, covering its history, fashion, music, and cultural impact. The authors examine the subculture from a variety of angles, drawing on interviews with goths and analyzing their practices and beliefs.
"Gothic Charm School: An Essential Guide for Goths and Those Who Love Them" by Jillian Venters
This book is a guide to living the goth lifestyle. It covers everything from fashion to etiquette, and provides tips on how to navigate the world as a goth. The author, Jillian Venters, is a well-known goth blogger and expert on the subculture.
"Gothic: Dark Glamour" by Valerie Steele
This book is a survey of gothic fashion and its influence on mainstream culture. It covers the history of gothic fashion, from its origins in the Victorian era to its current manifestations in high fashion. The book features beautiful photographs and essays by leading scholars and designers.
"The Goth Bible: A Compendium for the Darkly Inclined" by Nancy Kilpatrick
This book is a guide to all things goth, from music and fashion to literature and film. It includes interviews with prominent goths and a wealth of resources for those interested in exploring the subculture further.
"Goth Culture: Gender, Sexuality and Style" by Dunja Brill
This book is a sociological study of the goth subculture, focusing on issues of gender, sexuality, and identity. The author analyzes the ways in which goths use fashion and music to express themselves and examines the subculture's relationship to mainstream culture.
"Nocturnal Emissions: A Cultural History of the Vampire" by Ronan McGrade
While not solely focused on goth culture, this book offers a detailed exploration of the vampire mythology that has played a significant role in the goth subculture. It examines the origins of the vampire myth, its evolution in popular culture, and its influence on gothic fashion and music.
"Gothic Music: The Sounds of the Uncanny" by Isabella van Elferen
This book is a scholarly exploration of gothic music and its relationship to the subculture. The author analyzes the soundscapes of gothic music and the ways in which it evokes feelings of otherness and the uncanny. The book also examines the influence of gothic music on contemporary culture.
"The Gothic: A Very Short Introduction" by Nick Groom
This book is an accessible introduction to the gothic genre, covering its origins, key themes, and cultural significance. It explores the gothic in literature, art, film, and music, and provides a useful overview of the subculture for those new to the topic.
So there you are, folks! Order your books now / Get to the library, and start reading!
