It is intriguing to say the least, that the debate over what constitutes Goth smoulders on well into its third decade and people still can’t reach a consensus. Its evolution over the years is testament that it is not some passing fad, and that it continues to capture the attention and imagination of both a select group of people and the public at large. Although there have been papers and books written by both the academia and “club-pundit,” there has never been – to the best of my knowledge – a collaboration involving both camps with an attempt to discuss the broad spectrum of subjects involving this subculture. Until now that is.

Goth: Undead Subculture tackles the daunting task with a collection of articles, interviews and essays dealing with the diverse issues of Goth such as Gender, Localities, Artifacts, Communities and Practices. I’m excited by the fact that someone has published such a comprehensive discourse on Goth with the conviction and objectivity it deserves. I had the privilege of obtaining further opinions from Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock and Angel M. Butts, two of the contributors of this intriguing volume. Angel is hopeful this collection will garner the attention that Punk has in terms of discussion but believes that, “(Goth has) a way to go before that happens... Goth might have a tougher hill to climb than Punk did though, for a number of reasons. Maybe because we don’t have the outwardly political overtones that helped legitimate Punk as a movement.”

Angel also observed that despite the longevity of Goth that the, “average American (has only) ever heard the word ‘Goth,’ in the context of Columbine.” And believes that, “Goth never really recovered from that hit.”

She remains optimistic though and sees, “this book (as) an effort to legitimate Goth as a community that has a lot to offer researchers interested in subcultural dynamics.”

Despite the subcultural connotations Goth has, this book makes the astute observation that Goth has its other foot firmly planted in the mainstream. Jeffery Weinstock concurs, “for all its subcultural cachet, Goth has always been a phenomenon that straddled the mainstream/underground divide... Part of the appeal of Goth is that it is – and always has been – easily accessible to romantic and dyspeptic youth looking for something different but unsure where to start.”

So do we have it? There is no defining answer here and the writers and editors have wisely left that to you. What we do have here is an engaging discourse that will appeal to all who are either interested, or involved with the Goth community. The Elder Goths will find their beliefs either vindicated or challenged in a robust intellectual manner, while the young Gothling will have plenty of ammunition to defend their lifestyle against aggressive criticism.

Either way, Goth: Undead Subculture is an incisive book on the subject. The editors have struck a perfect balance that both engages and entertains, and that’s no small feat. The very idea of trying to encompass everything from musical tastes, to the spiritual practices of Goth without exhausting potential readers is what makes this book a great read. Not only will it grace the shelves of many Goths’ private collections, but stands to become a definitive text. Naturally, it’s beautifully designed and would be a handsome complement to any coffee table and is sure to spark lively conversations at house parties, cafés, clubs and classes alike! Five out of five coffins!