The Devil's Notebook by Anton Szandor LaVey Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Devil's Notebook
Book Review: LaVey's first kick butt book.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the first collection of LaVey's short essays, ranging on a broad range of topics and makes an excellent companion to his later book, "Satan Speaks!" Like the later book this earlier book gives LaVey's opinions of everything from society, politics, religion, history, science, philosophy, metaphysics, technology. LaVey was certainly a well read guy. And in reading his works, you might find yourself saying, "Hey, that's right! I've seen that myself." or, "I never thought of it that way before!"
Here is a guy that has the guts to come out and call a spade a spade.
And like "Satan Speaks!" this earlier book will make you roll with laughter.
His essay "Hatha Toilet Seat Meditation," makes a good read, especially while in the bathroom! The other good one for reading while in the john is the essay about Fernando DePlancy (what a weird guy -- but hey, it takes all kinds!) They will tickle your funny bone.
LaVey also discusses his and others' peculiar fetishes and interests and also about his experiences as a carny.
This book will make you wonder, ponder, upset you, frighten you, and make you laugh. But it is not a boring read.
Book Review: Lavey as a Syndicated Columnist
Summary: 3 Stars
The Devils Notebook is a collection of short essays by Anton Lavey. I liked The Satanic Bible better than this but it was a decent read. Most of these are very short. Lavey often writes in a very misanthropic way. Because Lavey in spite of his "scary" image was more or less a oddball nerd type of guy I think a lot of what the root of what he was getting at was instead of having a sense of shame or inferiority about being a weirdo or having odd interests was to turn it around on the sheeple and have a elitist attitude and look at your quirks and oddities as a sign of your superiority and if other people don't get it then thats a sign of their inferiority.
Although it never would have happened in a million years for a myriad of reasons even though over all I'm luke warm to the guy I think Lavey would have been an interesting syndicated newspaper columnist. Laveys opinion pieces would certainly have been more entertaining than the phony system approved left, phony system approved right or the token affirmative action black columnist that every major newspaper has one of that only writes about being black. Lavey if he didn't sell out would have made peoples heads spin. He would have offended the uptight conservatives with his anti-Christianity and pro-sexual freedom stuff and he would have offended the feel good liberals with his misanthropic stance on the masses but I know people would have bought newspapers just to read his columns, even if they wouldn't admit it.
Book Review: MARVELOUS BOOK. TELLS YOU THE WAY THINGS ARE AS IT IS!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This was a very realistic book. Many people that have strong misconceptions about the true meaning behind Contemporary Satanism are really missing out on the facts revealed by Mr.LaVey. LaVey is a very dynamic individual and he is very realistic about the things modern society can do to an individual, whether he is a Satanist or not. By studying And being a Freemason, this book has truly opened my eyes to what many others restrict you from seeking forth. If everyone were the same,this would be a very boring world. Man has created God and Religion. Why follow the herd conformity of others. One must choose his own path and destiny. You are a God within yourself. I highly recommend that the reader studies the Satanic Bible and Rituals also. Many churches and pulpit pounders are leading millions of lambs into the slaughterhouse. As a Satanist, we DO NOT worship the Devil. WE worship God within ourselves . Everyone has their own God and beliefs. True Enough, but shouldn't you as an individual appreciate yourselves and those who truly love and appreciate you for who you are, and not by the way someone else wishes you to be? To Be, Or Not To Be? That was the question. I AM THAT I AM THAT HAS SENT ME UNTO YOU. This is the answer to that question. Seek and ye shall find. This philosopher's signature lies within the so-called "Great Book". Read and understand what you're reading before you give an honest opinion. Keep searching!!! I am very proud to have just entered my membership in the CoS. HAIL SATAN!!!Book Review: My wife loved it.
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a Satanist, but my wife doesn't think she is. It's the name and the religious connotations that she doesn't like, as there is a kind of biblical quality in most of LaVey's books. But in this one, he just lets loose and gives us a laugh, while at the same time explaining our religion in a much less religious context. She loved it, and then she read the other books with a more open mind. She still doesn't like the name, but she admits that she's followed the philosophy her whole life.Book Review: Not required reading, but a great bathroom book. :P
Summary: 4 Stars
Mostly this book is a rebuttal at most, and an experiment in dark humor and imagery at worst. LaVey discusses everything from the proper attitude in ritual magic to why the bathroom can sometimes be the most sacred place in your home. Like Satan Speaks! this is more of LaVey's personal opinions on various issues which are not addressed in The Satanic Bible or his other works in great detail and it is named accordingly. I'm giving this four stars only because I don't think you HAVE to read it, but if you are a fan then you will certainly enjoy it. Very little of the material within the book refers directly back to his other works so you can easily start with this book even if you haven't read TSB.