Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders by Vincent Bugliosi with Curt Gentry (1974 1st Edition Illustrated Hardcover, no dust jacket)

• Author: Vincent T. Bugliosi, Jr. (1934 – 2015)

• Co-Author: Curtis Marsena “Curt” Gentry (1931 – 2015)

• Illustrator: B&W Photographs bound in

• Publisher: W W NORTON & CO. New York, NY U.S.A. 1974

A national bestseller―over 7 million copies sold. "[A] social document of rare importance."―The New Republic.

Prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial, Vincent Bugliosi held a unique insider's position in one of the most baffling and horrifying cases of the twentieth century: the cold-blooded Tate-LaBianca murders carried out by Charles Manson and four of his followers in August 1969. What motivated Manson in his seemingly mindless selection of victims, and what was his hold over the young women who obeyed his orders? Here is the gripping story of this famous and haunting crime.

Both Helter Skelter and Vincent Bugliosi's subsequent Till Death Us Do Part won Edgar Allan Poe Awards for best true-crime book of the year. 50 pages of black-and-white photographs. xviii + 502pp + [25 sheets of photos bound in, not numbered].

Vincent T. Bugliosi, Jr. (1934 – 2015) served as Deputy District Attorney for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (LADA) from 1964-1972. He ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for LADA in 1972, but applied his talents as an author in the true crimes, history and politics genre.

Curtis Marsena “Curt” Gentry (1931 – 2015) was an American author best remembered for this collaboration with Bugliosi on the Manson Murders.

Hardcover has gray paper boards with gold lettering on black cloth spine, but no DJ. Cloth has torn along spine so book is held together with duct tape and glue. No markings of any type in book. Interior is tight, clean and unmarked.

• Size: 8vo – over 7¾ - 9¾” tall, 570pp.

• Condition: Fair Hardcover, without dust jacket – Stated First Edition with no ownership markings. Repaired along spine. Always Privately Owned.

Copyright 1974. Printed in U.S.A. Stated FIRST EDITION, but no print-line or date on front of title-page. Norton colophone on title page helps supports 1st Edition claim. ISBN: 0-393-08700-X LCCN: 74-11108. No MSR.

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.” Using the same term as coin collectors, “can’t guarantee it is uncirculated, but it looks very much like it could be.” Booksellers need similar word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher. Same sort of thing about grading as Fine above except generally used for newer publication dates for titles still in print.

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.

Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask). Usually requires repair to be usable.

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy for their collection.

Thanks for looking!