Spirit of '69: A Skinhead Bible

Rating:
Summary: I really wanted to like it...
Review: I was looking forward to getting this book so I could finally get a "definitive" history of the movement. Unfortunately, I got a poorly written free association from some guy who is a skinhead. The quality is at the level you would see at an internet discussion group : not something worth paying for, barely worth reading. Do not waste your money on this book.

It is not at all clear from this book what the essence of the skinhead movement was or is. It seems what unites them is their uniform : the shaved head, suspenders, and black Doc Martins. Beyond that, the book gave me no sense of what the skinhead movement is all about. If you are a skinhead, and know all the jargon and history already, then you might appreciate the work. I, on the other hand, wanted to learn about the history of this group from the *outside*. The book is not written for outsiders, alas.

Very disappointing. I should have known by the title: this is not a history, it is a eulogy.

Rating:
Summary: Oi..Oi..Oi..a must read
Review: This book is the definitive book on skinheads from across the world. Not only does it focus on the sterotypical skinheads or neo-nazi, but also on the S.H.A.R.P.S. (Skinheads against racial prejudice) and the ever fashionable Trads or Traditional skinheads...also the book speaks on style of dress, music, and lifestyle. Truly a must read for anyone interested in the skinhead way of life!! cheers

Rating:
Summary: Great true history of the Skin "cult"
Review: This is by far the best and most objective book that I've read about the skinhead culture. While Nazis and racist skins (boneheads) tend to be what the media focuses on, there is an even larger percentage of skins that are non-racial and/or anti-racist.

George Marshall cuts through the politics and gets down to the roots of the cult starting back in the late 60's and follows it up to the 90's (in the revisited version it goes to '94). This is not a "how to" book like others say, but an unbiased documentary of the culture. "Before you go waving flags, you better know what you stand for"...