The Devil's Notebook is a riveting collection of wisdom, humor and dark observations by the founder of The Church of Satan, Anton LaVey. The High Priest speculates on such topics as nonconformity, occult faddism, erotic politics, the "Goodguy badge," demoralization and the construction of artificial human companions. Like P.T. Barnum, Ben Hecht and H.L. Mencken before him, LaVey zeroes in on humankind's limitless capacity for self-deceit and self-denial. Included are instructions for the creation of what LaVey terms "total environments," or places of magical evocation, where the enlightened may escape the deleterious effects of contemporary existence. The Devil's Notebook is a true grimoire, as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1992. Introduction by Adam Parfrey.
I enjoyed this text immensely and was deeply moved by LaVey's dedication to the writing and the subject which he became a master of. This is a strong read and interesting for anyone of any faith.
You've all got it wrong...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Everyone, listen. Realize that when you are talking about Satanism you need to know that it is not about conjuring "demons", killing Christians, and the "occult." It is about living your life to the fullest without any stupid religious restrictions, "rejoicing life in the carnal, the mundane, the flesh." Stop looking at it from a "Christian" point of view. This book is good, yes, but of course it's not the first book you want to get if you want to be a Satanist. If you want to do it right, GET THE SATANIC BIBLE 1st! You need to already know this. If you read The Devil's Notebook first, you won't get the right understanding. And enough of the LaVey insults. If you're a Satanist you should have more respect for the man. Nuff said.
I know it's Satanism, but shouldn't it be called humor?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
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 [email protected] you're a recently self-discovered Satanist, you have my best wishes for your continued learning and exploration.HS!
Essays From the founder of the Church of Satan
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 28 years ago
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 thought
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