Born in Oklahoma, Ohms migrated with his parents to California as a boy, and grew up there during the Depression. He first met Charles Manson briefly when he was imprisoned for auto theft in 1956, and again under similar circumstances in 1960. After that, Mr. Ohms began a career as a photojournalist, and he has contributed to a number of magazines both in the Untied States and Europe. In 1979, he contacted Manson and began the extensive interviews that resulted in this book.