The Devil's Notebook

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.

Good book I look forward to reading.

There's a lot of weakness that nerds to be devoured and replaced to rebuild not only America But All Hu!ans. We are closer to extinction than ever do to Gov, War, Lies and Creeps. I run to the Dark with no flame but my soul. I have been hunting my Killer for years and will until I die then Take Advantage of The Next Realm

Anton Szandor LaVey is a comedic genius with a witty understanding of truth and virtue. Even though comedy isn't the exact point of his writing, humor still comes through in an undeniable way. That makes sense as he elaborates on the importance of a sense of humor in destroying the sanctimonious in more than one part of the book. His views are always insightful, even if you don't agree with everything he says, and he has a paradoxical way of showing truth. "The Devil's Notebook" is a short work and makes for a very approachable read. You should read it, and after you read it, read it again.

Church of Satan Founder Anton LaVey's last book before his death in 1997, as both former Catholic and an Agnostic who's tried Wicca, the 12-step program, and was " Born-again" as a Christian several times before " Straying from the flock", while I don't agree with everything LaVey says; I must admit he is right about the true nature of humanity. Even the most " Altruistic" among us has a self-centered motive for what they do. That, or they've been brainwashed by some " White-light religion" such as Christianity [ which was invented by Paul and not the late Jesus]. Claiming that human beings are just mammals like the rest, LaVey points out the fallacy behind the the mythological Christian Story as a whole, saying the same about every spiritual path from Islam; to Buddha and even Hindi. After reading this book and his companion-The Satanic Bible- you may even see the light; or shall we say " See the dark reality" that is human nature.

You don't have to be a Satanist to enjoy the wit and wisdom of Church of Satan founder, the late Anton LaVey. This is a quick read and contains tidbits, quotes, and well-written essays about human social behavior and being one's own master. I have owned the print version for about 20 years and recently picked up the kindle version to read on my phone. It is organized in such a way that reading it in parts is very easy and fun. Of all of LaVey's works, this is my favorite. It lacks a lot of the jargon and mumbo jumbo found in the Satanic Bible, the Satanic Witch and others. Satan Speaks is a good companion of essays, but it isn't nearly as fun as this jewel.

Its full of so much common sense you'd think everyone would have a copy

I laughed until the tears streamed! This is a most enjoyable read, and LaVey's observations about human nature and life in general are spot-on as usual. A favorite quote from this book is, "Summertime, and the living is lousy." LaVey also does a good job of outlining to the reader as to why "the good ol' days" were perhaps not so great after all. He goes into specifics of how modern technology made great strides in his lifetime to make daily life much more comfortable. Each chapter is fun, and not a few contain some surprises. Lots of gems of LaVeyan humor and observations. LaVey's style is always enjoyable.

Para las personas que nos gustan estos temas paranormales y religiosos está muy bien, todo de buena calidad

Me gusta el humor y el punto de vista oscuro que usa Anton Szandor LaVey. Una crítica a la mediocridad que rompe los esquemas típicos de lo que la percepción de lo que las masas consideran una buena persona. Entretenido y que lleva a la reflexión. Por lo mismo, mentes cerradas o sin criterio podrán ponerse el saco y sentirse ofendidas ;)

This book is pretty worthless. LaVey almost always seems to loose his point midway through his essays, or to not have one at all. Plus he thinks ecology is not a worthy pursuit, which is the wrongest one person could ever be.

Some good insights and ramblings, but sometimes the language can be a bit exclusive to Church of Satan followers

If you ignore the obvious religious implications according to Anton Szandor LaVey the founder of the Church of Satan; Satanism is just another philosophy which you can choose to either agree with or disagree with. If you approach this book with an open mind there are some well-reasoned and interesting ideas to be found amongst the pseudo mystical babble and his many rants at the stupidity of the world. At times it is incredibly funny especially when LaVey so accurately points out the hypocrisy which exists in our society and his opinion of television and health food stores is absolutely priceless! Other subjects which he writes about tend to be a little bit more bizarre especially his Trapezoid theory and his fascination with mannequins (bargain basement human androids) towards the end of the book is completely and outrageously bonkers. Nevertheless it suggested to me that LaVey didn’t really like real people very much unless they were worthy of his company which does hint at a narcissistic personality. LaVey writes very eloquently but sometimes his essays descend into negativity and his sense of frustration with the masses is noticeable. I don’t agree with everything in this book and I am certainly not a Satanist but there were many things he said which I found myself agreeing with. All in all it was a very compelling read mired a little by a hefty amount of cynicism but I don’t regret my purchase at all.