By: Charles Manson Publisher: Grove Press Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Grove Press Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 256 Publication Date: January 11, 1994
Distilled from hundreds of hours of interviews, Manson's story reveals an enormous amount of new information about his life and how it led to the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders, and provides grim insight into the making of a criminal mind. 16 pages of photos.
FICTION? I THINK NOT I HAVE READ ALL MEDIA EXPOSED IDEAS OF THE STORY OF MANSON AND HIS SO CALLED FAMILY.I JUDGE ALL AS HUMAN FIRST AND ALL OTHER THINGS ON CHARACTER.I NEVER BELIEVED THAT HE WAS A HIPPIE CULT LEADER,NOT THAT HE FORMED THIS FAMILY, AND BELIEVE HE KILLED NO ONE.THIS WAS JEERED BY MANSON HIMSELF BUT I BELIEVE THIS IS THE CLOSEST REVELATION TO EXPOSE THE WAY IT CAME ABOUT OUT OF THE MEDIA.1967, MANSON ASKED NOT TO GO TO SOCIETY.HE MET FEW INSTRUMENTAL PEOPLE HE HUNG OUT WITH. HE WAS SHY OF SEX. HE WAS IGNORANT AS TO HOW THINGS WERE. HE WAS INTO BING CROSBY, NOT BEATLES AND HELTER SKELTER.ONE OF THE GIRLS CREATED THAT BY HERSELF.IF IT HAD STAYED IN WHAT WAS HIS RELEASE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN O.K. BUT TOO MANY PEOPLE JOINED THEM AND THE LOVE AND PEACE ERA, REVOLVED TO BIKERS, WEAPONS ,THEFTS. THAT WAS NOT THE PLAN. TRYING TO KEEP UP EXSISTANCE, SOME PEOPLE DID NOT WANT TO STAY IN THE VALLEY. THEY BRANCHED OUT, BROUGHT OTHERS IN AND CHAOS EVOLVED.
Manson's True Words? I won't pretend I know all about the "Manson Family" and I haven't even read Helter Skelter (i've seen the film, though) and I don't really read many true crime novels, but this was one I couldn't pass up. I don't know why some are going on about how Charlie didn't write this book, it is plain as day that there is another author, so Charlie more or less dictated the book. Right? Now, how well Emmons adhered to those words I don't know. But I liked this book. It was a fast read for me, compelling, sometimes frighteningly rational, and I understand the motives behind the Manson Family better. No, Charlie didn't commit those murders himself, but he was a ring leader, although I think at that point if he'd told them not to commit the murders they probably would've done them anyway - that being hyped up on drugs thing. I must say that I walked away knowing more than I ever wanted about Manson's previous sex life. I did like the honest feeling that I got from Manson (what there was of it) and he owned up to some things. He didn't try to paint himself as a victim, he did take some responsibility. Does that make all he did excusable? No. What disappointed me about the book was the lack of information of the trials. Like I said, I haven't read the prosecution's book (maybe i should), but I really would've liked more of Manson's view on his trial, the Family's trial, etc. What was with the swastika on his head and the "I am Christ" claims? I realize some of it may've been media propaganda, but I would've liked more of his view. Is this book entirely the truth? Probably not, nothing ever is. But it's a good read, in my opinion. He's just an average guy who made some horrible choices, probably has brain damage from all the drugs, and definitely has childhood trauma. It's easy to see how he ended up where he did.
excellent find very interesting book. was one of those you do not want to put down. it gave a different perspective of the happenings of the manson family. however, one must keep in mind it was recorded from what charles manson believed happened. great book.
SKIP HELTER SKELTER - WHO'S PERSPECTIVE DO YOU WANT? ok, ok,- so these arent actually charlies exact words, but it is a decent overview of how everything came to be. If you saw this book on the 'mind of manson' tv show - i really suggest you read it, because the lady who was commenting on mansons interview didnt mention one single time the actual reasons the murders came to be, her OPINION was that it was revenge for a failed music career as the motive..it's ridiculous..and besides, that would only explain the tate residence murders and not the others.. and the "helter skelter race war" angle is also incorrect. The world believes the helter skelter race war garbage that manson was supposedly trying to start, when it was just a bunch of 'tripping talk' among the whole group. The media pushed this along with the prosecutor and it was blown into something it really wasnt...After reading this you should gain a better perspective of this man. It does cover tons of information about his life and the 'family' members. He may be guilty of not trying to prevent the crimes, but he isnt the monster the media makes him out to be. Read this book and l GUARANTEE you will see things more clearly. I also recommend 'my life with charles manson' by paul watkins. He didnt FORCE anyone to commit murders. I obviously disagree with what they did, but I am at least openminded enough to understand others perspectives, no matter how disturbing.
new information This book was written by an ex con and former friend/cellmate of Manson's. It was written based on Manson's account of the events of his life. The two talked behind bars and then the author would write Manson's words down to the best of his ability. Manson did not write anything and a tape recorder was not permitted in prison so the ideas were Manson's but the wording was the authors. That said the author does his best to use Manson's wording whenever possible and tries to not veer off from Manson's account of his life story.
This book pieces together many loose ends in the Manson story. We learn of his troubled childhood and see the formation of antisocial personality disorder at a young age. Manson also finally admits that he did organize the murders of 9 people and actually expected more to be killed. The motive is still fuzzy. It was in part "Helter Skelter", copy cat killing and robbery but mostly it was hatred. Hatred for his mother. Hatred for society and everyone in it that once neglected and mistreated a little boy from Ohio named Charles Miles Manson.
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