The Devil's Notebook by Anton Szandor LaVey Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Devil's Notebook
Book Review: Essays From the founder of the Church of Satan
Summary: 5 Stars
Various essays from the one who created the Church of Satan. It covers subjects like the Church itself, the new age movement, and various other diabolical thoughtBook Review: Gods Among Men
Summary: 5 Stars
Everything negative can be said about this book, even by those that read it. LaVey speaks only to very few who have a keen sense of humor, a sharp intellect, and a hearty taste for freedom. Most people need not apply for the position, and in fact, it's prefereable to everyone already inside. Purchase with care.Book Review: Has Moments.
Summary: 2 Stars
This book is not LaVey's best. The best thing about it is the humour that LaVey manages to weave into his writing -- at times it can get a bit childish, but at it's best, the irreverance can be quite amusing. Unfortunately, it doesn't really reddem the book, as it seems quite obvious that he has nothing to say here. LaVey seems much bitterer and full of himself in a rather narcissistic way than he was earlier in his life and this lack of perspective makes him seem sort of absurd. In this collection of essays, LaVey is indulging himself -- but it is largely the indulgence of a two year old throwing a temper tantrum rather than the indulgence of the artist, which was the ideal that he had in mind when he wrote the Satanic Bible. There are essays about playing dumb jokes on people, on how much he hates everyone, and so on. But there are some gems here. His aphorisms are worse than useless, but ideas of the "Law of the Trapezoid" are interesting, as are his sharing of his musical tastes with everyone (and rather good taste it is!). He shares his interest of the odd and unusual, inlcuding several little-known but interesting people and the rip-roaring humour of "Hatha Toilet Seat meditation". Still, these little snippets are not quite enough to redeem this volume and the foreward by Kenneth Anger certainly adds nothing to the book (he mentions that lamentable fact that the popular media had chosen to ignore LaVey -- but does not mention that LaVey has plagiarised so much of his "work" that he has got basically what he deserved). The sheet music for the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is included, as well as various original musings which really aren't worth anyone's time except for the most enthusiastic LaVey worshipper. If your library has it, it might be worth a read, but it's not worth the price. If you want laVey at the height of his powers, check out the Satanic Bible; this is just the rantings of a bitter old man.Book Review: I Remember When Satan Was Scary
Summary: 2 Stars
The whole idea of Christianity is so you're not depemdent on mom, buddy. You're gonna rot in hell.Book Review: I know it's Satanism, but shouldn't it be called humor?
Summary: 5 Stars
As any Satanist can tell you, LaVey was a man full of biting wit, iconoclastic insight and, above all, a most astute and adroit observer of human folly and misinterpretation, himself being subjected to the latter more than anyone in recent memory.In this book, published after two decades of inactivity (to the world of print), LaVey sheds light on many interesting topics, bringing his usual dose of sardonic humor to the printed page.
A particular essay comes to mind when I think of this book- it's called "Hatha Toilet Seat Meditaion," and if it doesn't solicit laughter from you, nothing will. For those of you who are familiar with it, I'm certain you're grinning right now. For those who aren't, read the book and find out why.
Other essays focus on some pretty forbiding topics, and the level of candor expressed by LaVey never lets us forget that while the media may have portrayed him as several things- none of which were especially flattering- we will continue to respect him for the insight he shared with us, remembering the first time we read the "Satanic Bible," a book that for many of us described the thoughts we'd always thought, but never knew anyone else did.
So, when you read this book, say to yourself with a sigh of gratification, "Hail Satan!"
If you'd like to contact me, you can do so at Justin@radiofreesatan.com
If you're a recently self-discovered Satanist, you have my best wishes for your continued learning and exploration.
HS!