Preface

The contents of this volume consists of an attempt to investigate the lives and work of two of the English speaking world’s most misunderstood masters of lyrical gymnastics and interpretative verse. The names Goliath and Trench have long been associated by their cult-like followers with compositions that simultaneously embrace the seemingly contradictory qualities of great power and surprising sensitivity. The authors themselves, however, have existed largely in mystery; the true details of their lives encrusted with myth and obscured by legend. It is the purpose of this publication to break through that brittle shell and expose them for the men they truly are and to explore the circumstances and sentiments that have inspired their collaboration and fueled their ambitions. It may be considered a behind-the-scenes look at the mechanics of their method and the magic of their madness.

For long-time fans of Goliath and Trench, these chapters will provide much valuable insight into the various influences that have contributed to the development of many of their most brilliant lyrics and allow the reader to dive into the stream that flows from the wellspring of their creativity. To those who are unfamiliar with, or who might be indifferent to their work, there may still be found the opportunity to discover anecdotes of universal human interest. At the very least, it may whet adventurous appetites hungry for prurient voyeuristic sensationalism. Either way, the show should be worth the price of admission.

The contents of this volume consists of an attempt to investigate the lives and work of two of the English speaking world’s most misunderstood masters of lyrical gymnastics and interpretative verse. The names Goliath and Trench have long been associated by their cult-like followers with compositions that simultaneously embrace the seemingly contradictory qualities of great power and surprising sensitivity. The authors themselves, however, have existed largely in mystery; the true details of their lives encrusted with myth and obscured by legend. It is the purpose of this publication to break through that brittle shell and expose them for the men they truly are and to explore the circumstances and sentiments that have inspired their collaboration and fueled their ambitions. It may be considered a behind-the-scenes look at the mechanics of their method and the magic of their madness.

When it comes to distinguishing between fact and fiction in considering their account of events, do not be surprised if certain details of their adventures sometimes strain credulity. Hyperbole and symbolism figure largely in each of their vocabularies and they often haphazardly tint their narratives with various subtle pastel shades rather than staying within the lines of the coloring book using the sharp contrasts of bold primary colors. They are not writers who are content to let facts stand in the way of the truth. It should be understood, however, that the overall narrative is fundamentally sound and verifiable through scrutiny of public record. I have arranged the text that resides between these covers by organizing the constituent elements into a sequence that is intended to provide as compelling a portrayal of the authors’ personalities as is possible given the totality of the material I have been able to compile.

I have sought to avoid the mundane by leveling my focus as much as possible on their idiosyncrasies, eccentricities, quirks and foibles. In some instances, names might have been changed to avoid public embarrassment to those who deserve far worse. For the most part, however, legal allegations of libel and slander have been forestalled through inventive accounting. I have edited the substance of the text only to the extent necessary to provide clarity of content, surgically removing extraneous and irrelevant utterances and mutterings. I have in all instances endeavored to remain faithful to the substance and spirit of their words. Such is the nature of the beast I have sought to tame and it should come as no shock that I have more often than not failed to stay in the saddle during the roughest parts of the rodeo. If, after having examined this body of work, anyone is to be accused of having blood on her hands, it is I. If that’s the case, sorry for the mess.

Elsi Treséd, Ocean Beach, CA