Goth A History
Goth A History by Lol Tolhurst, published by Hachette UK Distribution in 2023, is a 256-page exploration of the dark romanticism inherent in Goth music and culture. As the co-founder of The Cure, Tolhurst provides an engaging historical memoir that delves into the genre’s evolution, highlighting influential bands such as Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, and Joy Division. The book presents a narrative that intertwines personal memories with the broader cultural significance of Goth, offering insights into the artists and movements that shaped this misunderstood genre.
Readers will find a comprehensive examination of Goth’s origins, tracing its roots back to early art and literature that inspired its development. Tolhurst introduces key figures he refers to as the “Architects of Darkness,” who laid the groundwork for the genre, and discusses the subsequent evolution of Goth music as it spread from England to other cultural hubs like New York and Los Angeles. The book also addresses the integral role of Gothic fashion and its lasting impact on various forms of media, making it a thorough reflection on the enduring legacy of Goth music and culture.
Official synopsis Publisher
The co-founder of The Cure and author of Cured delivers a fascinating deep dive into the dark romanticism of Goth music, a misunderstood genre and culture.
GOTH is an entertaining and engaging historical memoir, and a journey through Goth music and culture, exploring creative giants like The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, Joy Division, and many more great bands that offered a place of refuge for the misfits of the ’80s and ever since. Written by Lol Tolhurst, co-founder of The Cure, this book offers a riveting retrospective of the genre’s iconic movers and shakers, infused with stories from Tolhurst’s personal trove of memories, as well as anecdotes about the musicians, magicians, and artists who made it all happen–the people, places, and things that made Goth an inevitable and enduring movement.
Starting with the Origins of Goth, Tolhurst explores early art and literature that inspired the genre and looks into the work of T.S Eliot, Edgar Allan Poe, Sylvia Plath, and Albert Camus, among others. He also outlines the path of Gothic Forebears and shows how many musicians played in punk bands before transitioning into Goth endeavors. Next, he introduces readers to the “Architects of Darkness”–Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and The Cure–the Godfathers of Goth who established the genre’s roots. Following these early bands, Tolhurst discusses a group he calls the “Spiritual Alchemists,” consisting of bands like Depeche Mode, Cocteau Twins, and more, who helped the darkness expand into the culture. He also tracks the expansion of the genre overseas, from England to New York, Los Angeles, and beyond. Gothic fashion was an important part of the movement as well, and Tolhurst discusses the clothing that accompanied and complemented the music. Finally, Tolhurst examines the legacy of Goth music, and shows how its influence can still be seen to this day across music, film, TV, visual arts, social media, and more.
As thoughtful and thorough as it is utterly bewitching, GOTH is a timeless testament to why Goth matters–and why it always will.
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