Charles Manson - bibliography

Beyer, Catherine. "What Constitutes a Dangerous Cult?." Web. .

This source offers steps toward recognizing cults. There are eight, and the Manson Family meets all requirements.

King, L. (n.d). Encore: Former 'Manson Family' Disciple Speaks Out. Larry King Live (CNN), Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

In an interview with Larry King, Vincent Bugliosi (an attorney for the prosecution during the Manson trials) explains that Manson convinced his followers that he was Jesus Christ and the devil wrapped into one person. They did not doubt him.

Nielsen, Donald A. "Charles Manson's Family of Love: A Case Study of Anomism, Puerilism and Transmoral Consciousness in Civilizational Perspective." Sociology of Religion 45.4 (1984): 315-37. Web. 2 Feb 2011. .

This article sheds light on the cooperation of Manson’s followers, who were once relatively normal, upstanding citizens. Nielsen attributes their submission to ‘synchretism’, which promotes their loyalty to this charismatic leader that eventually transcended morality.

Rosenberg, Jennifer. "Biography of Charles Manson." Web. .

This source is particularly valuable because it outlines Manson’s motive for killing the occupants of 10050 Cielo Drive. He ordered his “family” to kill anyone inside the house. Manson had expected to find Terry Melcher, a music producer who had refused to advance his music career, and was unaware that he’d moved out months before. Sharon Tate and her friends were murdered.