Satan Speaks! [Paperback]

Anton Szandor LA Vey (Author), Anton Szandor Lavey (Author), Blanche Barton (Author), Marilyn Manson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1998

The last book of essays by Church of Satan founder LaVey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Feral House (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0922915660
• ISBN-13: 978-0922915668
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #217,404 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The final (?) testament of a diabolical prophet, December 11, 2000

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Satan Speaks! (Paperback)

Anton Szandor LaVey, author/compiler of "The Satanic Bible" and founder of the notorious Church of Satan, certainly had a unique position in late 20th century culture. "Satan Speaks!", published after his death, represents the final testament of this demonic prophet. Whether or not you are a Satanist, you just might find this book to be an interesting, provocative, and even enjoyable read.

A collection of short essays, "Satan Speaks!" varies in quality. Some of the selections strike me as underdeveloped, self-indulgent rants: I refer particularly to "Child Abuse," "Some Professionals and a Poem," and others. But even some of these grouchy tirades have appealing flashes of dark humor; try "Don't Bathe," LaVey's celebration of body odor.

And the best of these essays range from delightful exercises in creative misanthropy to truly thought-provoking analyses of popular culture. LaVey speculates on the connections between the Jew and the Satanist in "A Plan," discusses the potential of "The Witch's Shoe as Weaponry" in the essay of that title, and issues a fascinating manifesto for Satanic cultural activism in "The Horns of a Dilemma."

And throughout the book one can find marvelously quotable aphorisms from the man known as the Black Pope. Examples: "Is it coincidence that the most important word to a Satanist is 'Why?'" (from "The Third Side"); "Did Charlie Chaplin have a Hitler moustache, or vice versa?" (from "The Jewish Question"); or "Don't bomb abortion clinics unless you happen to need one, and they won't take you" (from "My Enemy").

"Traditional" religionists and other more "proper" folk may cringe at LaVey's writings, but to the adventurous reader, "Satan Speaks!" is a deliciously stocked candy store. Was this truly LaVey's final testament, or are there hidden demonic manuscripts of his waiting to be unleashed upon a trembling world? Stay tuned!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great thoughts from a great man, October 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Satan Speaks! (Paperback)

Satan Speaks is a wonderful introduction to those seeking to know more about Dr. Anton Szandor LaVey and the Church of Satan. Along with The Devil's Notebook, Satan Speaks is a great primer for delving into the Satanic Bible. LaVeys' charming misanthropy and unique sense of humor are abundant on every page. Each essay is a refreshing alternative to mass-produced mass-consumed herd mentality, and a fierce strike to the weak hearts of mindless christians. Satan speaks is essential to the would be and practising Satanist, and highly informative for those that are just looking for the truth about Satanism and LaVey. Personally, I think everyone should read it (along with all of LaVeys' other writings), the world would be a better place.

SHEMHAMFORASH! HAIL SATAN!

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice little collection of essays from good 'ol Uncle Anton, February 13, 2003

By 

N. Durham "Big Evil" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Satan Speaks! (Paperback)

Published after his death, Anton LaVey's Satan Speaks does not focus on one immediate subject; but is instead a collection of essays from the founder of the Church of Satan on late 20th century culture. Such passages contain LaVey's rants on child abuse, connections between a Satanist and a Jew, abortion, and my favorite, the laugh out loud "Don't Bathe" which features LaVey's rampant celebration of body odor. Although it seems that most of Satan Speaks is more self indulged than any of LaVey's other works, it is still a great read nonetheless, and the bits of dark humor throughout will guarantee a chuckle or two out of any Satanist or fan of LaVey's work.