REVIEW: The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth by John Robb (1-stars)

I recently listened to the audiobook version of "The Art of Darkness" by John Robb, and I found it to be quite a challenging experience for several reasons. 

Content Issues

• Outdated Terminology:The author consistently uses the term "transvestites" to refer to trans people, which is outdated and considered offensive. 

• Narrow View of Sexuality: The book presents a black-and-white view of sexuality, labeling figures like David Bowie and Lou Reed as "gay" without acknowledging bisexuality (aka "bi erasure").

• Limited Representation of Women: Few women are mentioned, and those who are (like Siouxsie Sioux and Suzi Quatro) are often depicted as sex objects rather than influential figures in the goth scene. He does mention the lead singer of Bow Wow Wow but little beyond the fact that she was a teenager. I guess that doesn't make her an important part of goth culture? 

• Narrow Geographical Focus:The book focuses heavily on goth culture in Leeds and Manchester, with minimal coverage of other significant goth scenes, such as those in Germany.
• Overwhelming / Marginally Important Information: The book tries to cover too much, including unrelated historical references like pre-Roman Goths, making it feel bloated and unfocused.

Structural Issues

• Lack of Editorial Oversight: The book appears to lack proper editorial or fact-checking processes, leading to inaccuracies and a disjointed narrative.

• Disorganized Content: The book feels like a collection of transcribed interviews and Wikipedia content, lacking a cohesive structure. This is especially confusing in the audio book because he will just say "... as so-and-so told me in 1999: blah blah blah I blah blah blah I which is read in first person and goes on for miles.

Audiobook-Specific Issues

• Mispronunciations: The audiobook contains numerous mispronunciations, which can be distracting and reduce the overall quality of the listening experience. He uses a lot of French idiom - like "grandiose" but pronounces it as "GRAND-wah," or says "debut" correctly but "debuted" as "DE-BUTTE- ED" among other wacky mispronunciations which I do not think can be blamed on "English accent" (though his mispronunciation of de rigeur as "DEE RIGGER" might be an excellent drag name). 

• Narration Speed: At 1.0 speed, the audiobook is painfully slow. When played at a faster speed (like 1.7x), the included musical embellishments sound ridiculous.

• Lack of Relevant Music:. I truly hoped the audio book would include some actual music from the period. I was mistaken. The audiobook includes musical embellishments but not actual music clips from the artists being discussed, which detracts from the listening experience.

Overall, while the book aims to provide a comprehensive history of the goth subculture, it falls short in several areas. The lack of editorial oversight, disorganized content, and problematic terminology make it a difficult read. If you're looking for a more accurate and inclusive exploration of goth culture, you might want to consider other resources. Here's a list of items on my "To Be Read" list -- please suggest your favorite books about goth subculture in the comments below.

• Goth Culture: Gender, Sexuality, and Style by Dunja Brill: This book explores the evolution of goth culture, including music, art, and dominant ideas, with a focus on sexuality and power relations. 

• Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture by Paul Hodkinson: This book delves into how goth culture is produced and marketed, offering insights into the business aspects of the subculture. 

• The Goth Bible: A Compendium for the Darkly Inclined by Nancy Kilpatrick: A highly recommended read that covers the history, important centers, and various aspects of goth culture. 

• Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace: The Worldwide Compendium of Postpunk and Goth in the 1980s by Andi Harriman: This book provides a comprehensive look at the postpunk and goth scenes of the 1980s, with a global perspective.

• Goth: Undead Subculture edited by Lauren M.E. Goodlad and Michael Bibby: A collection of academic essays that cover a wide range of topics within the goth subculture. 

• Gothic Charm School: An Essential Guide for Goths and Those Who Love Them by Jillian Venters: A guide that offers practical advice and insights into goth culture, making it accessible for both newcomers and long-time goths. 

• What is Goth? Music, Makeup, Attitude, Apparel, Dance, and General Skullduggery by Aurelio Voltaire: A fun and informative guide to various aspects of goth culture. 

• Goth Chic: A Connoisseur's Guide to Dark Culture by Gavin Baddeley: This book explores the darker aspects of goth culture, including its history and influence. 

• Rip It Up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978-1984 by Simon Reynolds: While not exclusively about goth, this book provides valuable context on the postpunk era that heavily influenced goth culture. 

• The Gothic: A Very Short Introduction by Nick Groom: A concise and insightful introduction to gothic culture and its broader implications.

These books should provide a more balanced and thorough exploration of goth culture. If you have any specific interests within the goth subculture, let me know, and I can help you find more targeted resources!

REVIEW: The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth by John Robb  

RATING: 2-stars