Charles Manson: Conversations with a Killer

Praise for the original edition, Taming the Beast:

“A valuable book which gives additional insights into the criminal mind of Charles Manson.”—Vincent Bugliosi, author of Helter Skelter

“Charles Manson may be the most written about, commercially viable malefactor in American history, yet George and Matera offer a worthwhile new take on him in their jailhouse bio… . George came to know Manson’s whole rollicking gang in scary and intimate detail. He strives to understand Manson and his devotees and, spewing psychological and spiritual insights and plenty of witchy Masonoid details, succeeds in horrifying his readers.”—Booklist

“What distinguishes George’s book is that it puts a human face on a man whose very name defines evil-revealing the personality hidden during television interviews.”—Alameda Journal

“An ugly, ugly look at a man whose entire life has been a study in sickness… . Provide[s] a chilling glimpse of Family members like Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme, who showed up at the prison regularly in her red cape.”—Kirkus Reviews

“This anecdotal account by his jailer confirms that Manson remains without remorse, unstable, frightening, and unlikely to ever be paroled… . George seems to have been truly shaken by his dealings with Manson.”—Library Journal

“Manson continues his reign as America’s leading celebrity carnivore.”—Phoenix Arizona Republic

“A helter skelter odyssey that takes readers into the heart of convicted murderer Charles Manson’s bizarre world… . It’s also a fascinating look at the California state prisons system.”—Vacaville Reporter

“Who was Manson?, George wondered. After all, who could be so cold, so much without soul? Figuring out Manson became almost an obsession for George… . At one point, he began meeting daily with Manson in his cell to try to understand this demon, or at least, what he first believed was a man with an indefensible demonic bent.”—Portland Maine Sunday Telegram

Edward George worked for the California Department of Corrections as a counselor and ward supervisor for nearly 20 years. He oversaw Charlie Manson’s detention at both San Quentin and the California Medical Facility.

Dary Matera is the author of 14 books, including Are You Lonesome Tonight? and John Dillinger: America’s First Celebrity Criminal.

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