I found an ancient copy of "The Family" by Ed Sanders.

[XanaDUer]

Is this the same Ed Sanders of The Fugs?

It's about Manson's crew.

[mitchum]

1. It's the same Ed Sanders

It is well-researched and written in a vigorous and distinctive style. I honestly think that James Ellroy was heavily influenced by it's rebop approach and rhythms. Almost any randomly chosen passage sounds remarkably like Ellroy. And, of course, it's centered in LA.
The book has an interesting history. The first printing had a chapter on Scientology offshoot the Church of thr Process. Manson had a background in both religions/organizations. The Process brought suits against both Sanders and his publisher. Subsequent editions had the chapter excised.
It's a keeper.

[XanaDUer]

2. Thanks. It's a first edition hardcover.

With a nice psychadelic cover befitting the time it was written. I got it at a thriftstore.

[mitchum]

3. Cool!

The controversial chapter should be in there. The Process were even nuttier than the Scientologists.

[XanaDUer]

4. I remember them

They had all of these weird religious figures. Elizabeth Clair Prophet was nuts , too.

I will look at it today.

[livetohike]

5. Good find!

I read that so long ago. I'd like to read it again :-).

[NJCher]

6. me too!

I remember that book and Mitchum's description is how I remember it, too.

Cher

[XanaDUer]

7. It's a pretty good book, I have to say.

I would recommend it to all true crime fans here on DU.