The Devil's Notebook

By Anton Szandor LaVey

Book Overview

Anton LaVey's sharpest essays on culture, psychology, and
the occult--an underground classic of modern Satanic thought.

The Devil's Notebook gathers Anton Szandor LaVey's essays on nonconformity,
culture, and the psychology of modern life into one of the most accessible and
frequently cited books in the Satanic canon. Best known as the founder of the
Church of Satan and author of The Satanic Bible, LaVey turns his attention here
to everyday behavior, social performance, and the ways individuals construct
identity and belief in contemporary society.

Written with wit, provocation, and observational precision,
these essays explore subjects ranging from occult fads and mass psychology to
erotic politics, artificial companions, and what LaVey calls "total
environments"--carefully designed personal spaces meant to shape mood,
perception, and ritual experience. Drawing comparisons to satirists and
cultural critics such as H. L. Mencken and P. T. Barnum, LaVey examines human
self-deception, conformity, and spectacle with a mix of humor and philosophical
commentary.

First published in 1992, The Devil's Notebook has become a
key text for readers interested in modern Satanism, occult philosophy, and
countercultural critique. This edition includes an introduction by Adam
Parfrey, founder of Feral House, placing the work within the broader history of
alternative religion, underground publishing, and late-twentieth-century
cultural dissent.

A widely read entry point into LaVey's thought and a core
title for readers of occult studies, modern Satanism, cultural criticism, and
alternative spirituality.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0922915113
• ISBN13: 9780922915118
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Feral House
• Length: 147 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A message for modern life ...

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...

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?

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.comIf 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

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