Beginning by examining its roots in early Gothic and Romantic
literature, Goth: The Dark Subculture presents a decade-by-decade
analysis of the pivotal Goth milestones as they occurred. Starting with
the form's emergence as a 1970s counterculture phenomenon, defined by
classic clubs like the Batcave, the book moves through Goth's 1980s
invasion of the arena-rock scene via bands such as the Cult and the
Sisters of Mercy. It then concludes with the subculture's enormous
impact on film, music, and television during the 1990s, as epitomized by
the creative output of musicians and filmmakers from Marilyn Manson to
Tim Burton. Author Gavin Baddeley even gives a glimpse of Goth's ongoing
metamorphosis into Cybergoth. He also documents the widely attended Goth
festivals, including Treffen, M'era Luna, Carnival of Souls, and the
Whitby Gothic Weekend, examines the exciting evolution of Goth fashions
and footwear, and explores the scene's decadent philosophy of style over
substance. All in all, this illuminating book offers a guided tour of
one of the world's most influential and provocative youth subcultures.