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The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman
Summing up 25 years of Nikolas Schreck's research into the Charles Manson phenomenon, this Book of Revelations illuminates unknown dimensions of Manson as philosopher, musician, Gnostic mystic, Mafia fall guy, revolutionary, and friend, lover and drug dealer to 1960s Hollywood's best-known rock stars and movie idols.
The first comprehensive study of Manson's life, times, crimes, and thought, this is the ultimate guide to the Manson mysteries, portraying the human being behind the media-created monster's many masks.
Drawing on police evidence suppressed during Manson's trial, Schreck exposes the "Helter Skelter" legend as one of the twentieth century's greatest cover-ups, unveils the hidden Mafia drug-dealing background of the "Manson murders" and traces the underworld connections linking the victims to their killers. The author's recent conversations with Manson and others directly involved in the psychedelic era's apocalypse allow the true story kept secret for decades to be told at last.
Jacket design artist/graphic designer and all chapter plates by Zeena Schreck. "Easter Monday Audience with the Underworld Pope: Charles Manson Interviewed and Decoded" is Zeena's full transcript with introduction and annotations of the raw footage of Nikolas Schreck's interview to his documentary, Charles Manson Superstar.
The first comprehensive study of Manson's life, times, crimes, and thought, this is the ultimate guide to the Manson mysteries, portraying the human being behind the media-created monster's many masks.
Drawing on police evidence suppressed during Manson's trial, Schreck exposes the "Helter Skelter" legend as one of the twentieth century's greatest cover-ups, unveils the hidden Mafia drug-dealing background of the "Manson murders" and traces the underworld connections linking the victims to their killers. The author's recent conversations with Manson and others directly involved in the psychedelic era's apocalypse allow the true story kept secret for decades to be told at last.
Jacket design artist/graphic designer and all chapter plates by Zeena Schreck. "Easter Monday Audience with the Underworld Pope: Charles Manson Interviewed and Decoded" is Zeena's full transcript with introduction and annotations of the raw footage of Nikolas Schreck's interview to his documentary, Charles Manson Superstar.
991 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1988
50 people are currently reading
3166 people want to read
About the author
Nikolas Schreck
9 books627 followersAmerican writer, musician, film-maker, and spiritual teacher whose work focuses on magic, mysticism, mythology and the macabre. Schreck is married to Zeena Schreck (Formerly LaVey) the daughter of the founder of the Church of Satan, Anton Lavey
Together with his wife he founded the Sethian Liberation Movement and wrote books about sex magic, portrayal of Satan in cinema and Charles Manson.
He is also the founder of the gothic-industrial band Radio Werewolf, which was active from 1984 to 1992.
Together with his wife he founded the Sethian Liberation Movement and wrote books about sex magic, portrayal of Satan in cinema and Charles Manson.
He is also the founder of the gothic-industrial band Radio Werewolf, which was active from 1984 to 1992.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 11, 2012
Although originally released in 1988, Nikolas Schreck essentially re-wrote what was the original book entitled "The Manson File." At nearly 5 times as long as the first printing of the 1988 book, the original texts are nothing but mere footnotes/appendix for the new material in this ambitious and obsessively constructed Manson masterpiece. Although I have written jokes at Schreck's expense in the past, I must admit that "The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman" is easily the most important and comprehensive work ever written on Manson, the so called family, and everything/everyone in between. For those interested in the cryptic history of Hollywood and their alliance with the mafia, the book also exposes many Sunset Boulevard secrets that make Kenneth Anger's "Hollywood Babylon" seem like a flattering press kit. The book also covers Manson's religious views/mysticism, metapolitics, celebrity, and complex Weltanschauung.
This book also includes the full written transcripts from Schreck's 1988 meeting with Manson (that was featured in Schreck's documentary "Charles Manson Superstar"), "The Bugliosi File" (copies of news articles about the Italian-American conman's crimes), subversive collages by Zeena Schreck (aka LaVey) and an extensive discography of Manson's music.
Needless to say, "The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman" is the most imperative book to own for those interested in the man Manson and his eternal kampf. Indubitably, this brilliant academic tome is Schreck's magnum opus.
This book also includes the full written transcripts from Schreck's 1988 meeting with Manson (that was featured in Schreck's documentary "Charles Manson Superstar"), "The Bugliosi File" (copies of news articles about the Italian-American conman's crimes), subversive collages by Zeena Schreck (aka LaVey) and an extensive discography of Manson's music.
Needless to say, "The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman" is the most imperative book to own for those interested in the man Manson and his eternal kampf. Indubitably, this brilliant academic tome is Schreck's magnum opus.
May 20, 2013
I just finished this heavy, 900+ pager & I wish there was another 900 pages to go. Yes, it was that good. Schreck's writing is pretty flawless. He is not afraid to throw humor as well as sarcasm into this very serious study of the eternally-flawed "Manson Murders". He waxes eloquent on Manson's philosophy and ecology-based ideals while careful not to slip into a worshipful tone. This tome is enlightening and daring. Read it with an open mind and you will find your head spinning with new facts about the case that, to this day, remains (surprisingly) open. There are so many twists and turns here that you will need to put on your best thinking cap to take it all in. That said, it is a remarkably easy book to read and follow. I was-and still am-thoroughly impressed with Schreck's efforts to look into the admittedly questionable case of the Tate/La Bianca murders' motives and the ridiculous notion of the Helter Skelter theory. I recommend this over all other books about the case, the "Family" and Manson himself.
April 28, 2012
Finally an objective book which gives a voice to those who have been demonised by the media for decades. The more I research this case the clearer it becomes that Manson was the patsy used to try to end the counter culture of the 60's. Anyone with a true interest in this case will be gripped. !0 out of 10.
June 7, 2012
Stunning book and by the far best unbiased book out their on the man and the case. Forget Vincent Bugliosi's pulp-fiction 'Helter Skelter' and in all honesty, the only two books worth reading on this issue are this 2011 edition of Schrecks Manson File is is fully updated and explanded to over 900 pages and Marlin Marynick's Charles Manson Now.
I cannot recommended this book HIGHLY enough.
I cannot recommended this book HIGHLY enough.
May 1, 2023
My original review is based on the original 1988 edition. Once my new one ships, I will be able to revise.
Revised Ultimate Edition review: This is a well written book filled with valuable information. The book itself is 8.5x11, with about 400 pages (double column). the only issue I have with the book is the lack of an index (I keep a notebook handy while reading, so I would jot down page numbers that reference the subjects that interest me the most).
The original Manson File from the 1980s featured some of Charlie's writings, philosophy, a short section on Squeaky and Sandy, a short section on the books and films that had sprung from the case. The crimes were not dealt with at all. This book goes way beyond the original File in so many ways.
There is a lot of information to unpack in this book- all of the Hollywood connections, the criminal enterprises, the bizarre and relentless coincidences connecting all of the people involved together. Manson's thought process and influences, his personality, the people he encountered- it is all dealt with here.
There is an lengthy dissection of what really happened on the two infamous nights of murder. It doesn't get bogged down in forensic details, but rather, it goes into great detail regarding the motives and timelines. It is most definitely not what you read happened in Helter Skelter.
This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the case. After reading it, you will understand why the case still holds people's interest today
Revised Ultimate Edition review: This is a well written book filled with valuable information. The book itself is 8.5x11, with about 400 pages (double column). the only issue I have with the book is the lack of an index (I keep a notebook handy while reading, so I would jot down page numbers that reference the subjects that interest me the most).
The original Manson File from the 1980s featured some of Charlie's writings, philosophy, a short section on Squeaky and Sandy, a short section on the books and films that had sprung from the case. The crimes were not dealt with at all. This book goes way beyond the original File in so many ways.
There is a lot of information to unpack in this book- all of the Hollywood connections, the criminal enterprises, the bizarre and relentless coincidences connecting all of the people involved together. Manson's thought process and influences, his personality, the people he encountered- it is all dealt with here.
There is an lengthy dissection of what really happened on the two infamous nights of murder. It doesn't get bogged down in forensic details, but rather, it goes into great detail regarding the motives and timelines. It is most definitely not what you read happened in Helter Skelter.
This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the case. After reading it, you will understand why the case still holds people's interest today
July 14, 2012
This was great! Very informative. If you want to know the truth read this and listen to what he says in interviews. Even if he acts in a way that would make you think hes crazy. we can all act this way and are all capable of what he is. Now we need to understand that what we're told on the news is b.s
We have to look into all of this ourselves.
And heres a good book to start with :)
We have to look into all of this ourselves.
And heres a good book to start with :)
July 15, 2012
by far the best book ever written about charles manson. it unveils the truth about what really happened and turns down all the myths that have been going around this case. nikolas schreck goes back and rewrites history. amazing book!
July 15, 2012
This Book is essential to ALL people wanting to know the truth about Charles Manson,read with an open mind.
Schreck has done an amazing amount of research and written a masterpiece.
BUY IT,READ IT!.
Schreck has done an amazing amount of research and written a masterpiece.
BUY IT,READ IT!.
April 19, 2022
Schreck is a con man ,a self proclaimed expert , horrible musician that takes advantage by selling books then taking years to actually /if ever get them to people who ordered them .Has buyers use friends and family to send money for said book ,so buyer has no recourse against him. Crooked !
August 16, 2012
The best of the books I have read about Manson.
Most other authors seemed primarily concerned with making money (Bugliosi, Sanders, etc) or fell into the trap of using sensationalism even though their original works were, before editing, probably fairly good (Marynick, Emmons.)
Schreck seems to have remained completely academic in this work, and perhaps because he chose not to use a large scale publisher, managed to protect it from unnecessary fiction designed to make the work "exciting" (inaccurate.)
Most other authors seemed primarily concerned with making money (Bugliosi, Sanders, etc) or fell into the trap of using sensationalism even though their original works were, before editing, probably fairly good (Marynick, Emmons.)
Schreck seems to have remained completely academic in this work, and perhaps because he chose not to use a large scale publisher, managed to protect it from unnecessary fiction designed to make the work "exciting" (inaccurate.)
October 21, 2017
Esta obra resume más de veinticinco años de investigación a cargo de Nikolas Schreck sobre el fenómeno de Charles Manson en 991 páginas repletas de información valiosísima y perfectamente documentada.
Este Libro de las Revelaciones de San Nikolas ilumina dimensiones desconocidas de Manson como filósofo, músico, místico gnóstico, cabeza de turco de la Mafia, revolucionario, amigo, amante y camello de las estrellas del rock y del cine más famosas del Hollywood durante la década de los 60.
Nos quedamos atóntios con los sugerentes e hipnóticos collages de Zeena Schreck que ilustran cada uno de los Siete Sellos de este primer estudio exhaustivo de la vida de Manson, así como de sus delitos y pensamiento.
La densidad de datos e información hacen de The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman la guía definitiva de los misterios de Manson, retratando al ser humano que se esconde tras las innumerables máscaras monstruosas creadas por los medios.
Charles Manson, el último chamán de Occidente, ambiguo y misterioso, pilar central para sus amigos al mismo tiempo que marginado y temido, cambiaformas, rebelde y embaucador que, como Orfeo, fue desmembrado por las ménades.
Basándose en las pruebas policiales silenciadas durante el juicio de Manson, Schreck desenmascara la leyenda de 'Helter Skelter' como uno de los mayores encubrimientos del siglo veinte, desvelando el siniestro panorama del tráfico de drogas de la Mafia en torno a los "asesinatos de Manson" y establece la relación entre las víctimas y sus asesinos siguiendo el rastro de ese submundo.
Las conversaciones del autor con Charlie así como con otros personajes implicados directamente en la Era del Apocalipsis Psicodélico permiten que la verdadera historia mantenida en secreto durante décadas sea por fin contada.
Esta obra magnánima es absolutamente imprescindible para entender cómo el Sistema usa la mentira sin ningún tipo de problema moral para justificar sus intereses.
Este Libro de las Revelaciones de San Nikolas ilumina dimensiones desconocidas de Manson como filósofo, músico, místico gnóstico, cabeza de turco de la Mafia, revolucionario, amigo, amante y camello de las estrellas del rock y del cine más famosas del Hollywood durante la década de los 60.
Nos quedamos atóntios con los sugerentes e hipnóticos collages de Zeena Schreck que ilustran cada uno de los Siete Sellos de este primer estudio exhaustivo de la vida de Manson, así como de sus delitos y pensamiento.
La densidad de datos e información hacen de The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman la guía definitiva de los misterios de Manson, retratando al ser humano que se esconde tras las innumerables máscaras monstruosas creadas por los medios.
Charles Manson, el último chamán de Occidente, ambiguo y misterioso, pilar central para sus amigos al mismo tiempo que marginado y temido, cambiaformas, rebelde y embaucador que, como Orfeo, fue desmembrado por las ménades.
Basándose en las pruebas policiales silenciadas durante el juicio de Manson, Schreck desenmascara la leyenda de 'Helter Skelter' como uno de los mayores encubrimientos del siglo veinte, desvelando el siniestro panorama del tráfico de drogas de la Mafia en torno a los "asesinatos de Manson" y establece la relación entre las víctimas y sus asesinos siguiendo el rastro de ese submundo.
Las conversaciones del autor con Charlie así como con otros personajes implicados directamente en la Era del Apocalipsis Psicodélico permiten que la verdadera historia mantenida en secreto durante décadas sea por fin contada.
Esta obra magnánima es absolutamente imprescindible para entender cómo el Sistema usa la mentira sin ningún tipo de problema moral para justificar sus intereses.
August 18, 2012
Essential reading for those who want to have as much information about the case as possible at hand. Not one detail is glossed over or left out- sometimes a retelling of a short event is summed up with 20 or 30 pages of details.
Also has some nice illustrations and a collection of material from Manson himself, including a transcript of the entire 1988 interview for the authors film on the subject.
Also has some nice illustrations and a collection of material from Manson himself, including a transcript of the entire 1988 interview for the authors film on the subject.
July 16, 2012
Unlike most of the books about Manson it doesn't just focus on the man himself (or the case) but goes into hundreds of pages of detail about his various hollywood/ mafia connections.
One of only three good books on the subject- one of the others is ironically the other Manson File by Nikolas Schreck as well!
One of only three good books on the subject- one of the others is ironically the other Manson File by Nikolas Schreck as well!
April 28, 2012
Finally a more fair and balanced account about Charles Manson and his alleged deeds, brainwashing et cetera.
This book doesn't rely on the phantasy of the author. It sticks to the fact and doesn't revert to the weird theories other authors have done.
This book doesn't rely on the phantasy of the author. It sticks to the fact and doesn't revert to the weird theories other authors have done.
August 19, 2012
The author does a fantastic job portraying the case in such a light that it was at once comprehensive and yet comprehensible.
SOme of the material by Manson was the usual ranting hobo rubbish, but most of the rest of the book was amazing.
SOme of the material by Manson was the usual ranting hobo rubbish, but most of the rest of the book was amazing.
April 29, 2012
It was recommended to me by a friend and I simply loved this book!
August 2, 2012
One of the best books I ever read. I loved the details about Manson in the psychedelic and post-hippie eras, sixties fans would love this book.
March 23, 2020
Plenty of things to learn from this book that are ignored by more mainstream accounts of Manson and his family. Schreck respected Manson enough to not twist his words, and provides a book featuring many articles by Manson and even some by Fromme and Good. Schreck’s own input in the book is also very interesting - and it’s clear he spent a lot of time researching.
January 9, 2025
Review to come! But definitely recomended.
December 3, 2025
This book is crazy. All of it is true. None of it is true.
June 19, 2013
This obsessively researched volume is well worth the somewhat high retail price. An eyeopening page-turner. Though the author admits there is no final word to be had on the Manson phenomenon, he does a DAMN fine job explaining the mysteries and obscured truths of the case. Perhaps my highest praise is that, after reading Schreck's book, I'm thinking of selling off many of my other Manson-related books. Which, in effect, gives him the final word.
July 16, 2012
Well worth purchasing- over 900 pages long so a but daunting (and the language used is sometimes dense) but it was a great book nonetheless.
A revision, essentially, of the 1988 Manson File by the same author- treats Charles Manson less like a loony fascist than an academic subject- which was a breath of fresh air!
A revision, essentially, of the 1988 Manson File by the same author- treats Charles Manson less like a loony fascist than an academic subject- which was a breath of fresh air!
July 29, 2012
A truly good read- nice illustrations, and huge in size (so takes several days at least to read even for a seasoned reader.
The subject itself may seem narrow but it actually covers a variety of topics from the 60s themselves, to the mafia, to Mansonn's life, beliefs, and even primary source info from his own work.
The subject itself may seem narrow but it actually covers a variety of topics from the 60s themselves, to the mafia, to Mansonn's life, beliefs, and even primary source info from his own work.
August 14, 2012
One of (if not the) best work by Schreck, and the same goes for the Manson genre- also holds up well as true crime/ cult novel.
Definitely the longest book in any of these genres, one of the most professional- it's density and length may actually be daunting to the average reader, anyone without good english mastery may find the dictionary their reading companion.
Definitely the longest book in any of these genres, one of the most professional- it's density and length may actually be daunting to the average reader, anyone without good english mastery may find the dictionary their reading companion.
August 1, 2012
Definitely the premier book written about the Manson case- all others fall far short of this 900+ page marvel.
Not only does it expose the nitty gritty truth about the case and the aftermath, but also Manson the man and myth,
Not only does it expose the nitty gritty truth about the case and the aftermath, but also Manson the man and myth,
August 4, 2012
A little something for everyone- conspiracies, the mafia, drugs, insanity, witchcraft...
It must have taken a long, long time to do all this research considering not only the dense content (at times too dense for some readers) and the absolutely gargantuan size of the book itself.
It must have taken a long, long time to do all this research considering not only the dense content (at times too dense for some readers) and the absolutely gargantuan size of the book itself.
August 14, 2012
A very good book, reading it for the third time.
Basically destroys the helter skelter theory put forth by Bugliosi- also helps clear up some other misconceptions revolving around Manson, overall a good read!
Basically destroys the helter skelter theory put forth by Bugliosi- also helps clear up some other misconceptions revolving around Manson, overall a good read!
August 15, 2012
The best work to date on this (rather broad) subject, broad because it goes into minutiae that other works on Manson prefer to avoid- most works cover his spirituality, or his politics, or the murders themselves, but this book covers all three.
August 15, 2012
This book makes up a trilogy of books on the subject which are readable and not full of nonsense- along with Marynicks "Manson Now" and Emmons "Manson in his Own Words."
This is however much larger in size, and covers far more topics than the other two.
This is however much larger in size, and covers far more topics than the other two.
August 18, 2012
A very good book overall, the writing style is slightly dry but that is sometimes a good thing because it makes it more academic.
Don't expect many grotesque fantastic stories, it's a bit like a college lecture.
Don't expect many grotesque fantastic stories, it's a bit like a college lecture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews