Mick Mercer's Hex Files: Resurrection is an invaluable resource for Goth subculture on an international scope. From Australia to the United States, Mercer takes on authors, visual artists, club promoters, 'zine editors, and-- of course-- a seemingly endless black cloud of lachrymose musicians with teased, tormented and lacquered hairstyles.

While content heavy-- and physically heavy, for that matter-- to some, it may seem that Mercer "left nothing out."

Insofar as a Table of Contents, an index, or a single page number listing, however? Nada. Nichts. Forgettaboutit. The absence has proven itself frustrating on more than one occasion, yet still: in terms of reportage on dark-hearts who [quote] "want to experience everything...[who] surge with power over the art, literature and effects of the music"? Well...For Goth Lite, seek out your local Hot Topic. There's no shortage of clones clomping around in embarrassingly dated monster boots, sporting clip-in dreads, mired in the predictable tunes.

However, if one's pursuit is to grasp an idea of the intrinsic beauty and dignity [a minority of] the Goth Scene retains--as well as the pervasive "prevarication, bitchiness and mania" that are "as it should be. It's a contrary child": This book is the best starting place I can name.