The Devil's Notebook

This book is a well-written collection of Mr. LaVey's essays. For the most part this book is not required to understand The Church of Satan. The book does highlight Mr. LaVey's unique philosophy and various related topics. The range of topics is too broad to summarize, so I'll list several highlights:
"Ravings From Tartarus": Why ritual spells do not work, and how to accomplish your goals.
"The Importance of Keeping a Secret": Types of secrets, and methods to ensure secrecy.
"Nonconformity -- Satanism's Secret Weapon": The Satanist as Master in a throng of weak-willed slaves.
"Let Me Entertain You": Techniques for maintaining your Satanist identity of dominance. "Responsibility for the responsible..."
"The Construction of Artificial Human Companions": Building android companions. "Read between the 'lie-ons'" concerning android joint construction, then re-read "Nonconformity -- Satanism's Secret Weapon".
"Misanthropia": The psychology of Satanists and their android companions. "Read between the 'lie-ons'", then re-read "Nonconformity -- Satanism's Secret Weapon".
Keep your ice open.

A very useful and practical black magic book that does explain (with some deals hidden) the ways of satanic practices. The author knows the material, and its well laid out with clear - but as I say some missing - instructions. However, the book does deliver much material. I read an interesting but rare satanic gem called the Question of Lucifer, about how far Lucifer has penetrated into the upper ranks of power and elite. It was fascinating, and very, very scary, depending on if you are on the White or Black magic side. That book unknowingly exposed some satanic secrets and left a lot open for us to see, more than the author expected - if you are willing to read it. Be warned! The Question Of Lucifer

"Hatha Toilet Seat Meditation" is the most impressive thing here. A more personal approach than his other books, it's also far too narcissistic and whiny to make much impression on most except for self-righteous Christians or know-it-all LaVey worshippers, although amusing in places. LaVey seems to think that by whining about how much he hates everyone he is indulging himself; I agree, but it is the self-indulgence of a spoilt brat throwing a temper tantrum. A volume on his work in lion-taming or psychic investigation would have been much more impressive. The Satanic Bible is better in every way.

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!!!

Anton LaVey was an intelligent man. This book however has sparse intelligent thoughts amidst a book full of babble by an angry man turned bitter by age. Often I found myself skimming thru pages wondering if Anton was simply trying to fill this already thin book. Most of the paragraphs are noticeably elongated as if he were being paid by the word. The problem is this book has little to say. While there are some very good thoughts in this book there are simply to few to justify the printing process. Like his past works, he often falls into his own traps. Most of the points he makes in this book could easily be turned upon himself. Any religion is simply a point of view and Satanism is no different. I think Mr. LaVey started believing his own hype.

A satanic force that creeps under the skin of the human stereotype to eviscerate the programmed, TV-enslaved part of it named "soul", or "spirit", or brain as I prefer. A satanic tool to twist the weakened nails of the most un-creative parasite; people, which, in Laveys own terms, are only strong in numbers, people to control and use.
Use your instincts and brain, and by the sacred balls of christ, let the weak perish and the strong flourish, and let the christian religion rule (?)

This book is a collection of essays, written by Mr. (pope?) Lavey. Judging by the introduction, written by Adam Parfrey, it is some sort of tribute to him - though I am not for sure. It is good for entertainment, though not a whoooole lot else... but then again, books are a form of media, and the whole purpose of media is to entertain, so...
Alright, this is deffinatly a great read! I totally, TOTALLY loved the Diabolica, Duck-Billed Platitudes, and How to Be a God! They are all very entertaining and humorous (though I'm not sure whether or not they're supposed to be). Also, the whole book is pretty motivational for that little screaming, raving satanist in all of us.
That's about all there is to say about it. I mean, honestly, at only 147 pages, it's not a huge chunk of reading. I read it over one weekend. Not great, but not bad - not by any means bad - hence three stars.

This is another example of the essence, core & wit that help make up LaVeyan satanism; never mind the death metal lyrics, the black metal militias, the corpse paint, goats blood or the mindless vandalism of churches & graveyards, if you think that those examples are satanism then look away, if not then look deeper. This collection of essays distils true knowledge of satanism as well as providing a few good laughs. See for yourself & you'll see that it's true than real satanism requires study; not worship.

Greetings Everyone. Out of all of Anton Lavey's works (satanic bible, satan speaks, and the satanic witch), this book rght here, "The Devil's Notebook" (in my opinion anyway) is the best of Lavey's works. At the same time that some of the stuff in this is humorous (read chapters "Duck-Billed Platitudes", "Hatha Toilet Seat Meditaion", and "The Whoopi Cushion Shall Rise Again" for instance) most of stuff that Lavey says in this book is so true I'm surprised Lavey himself is not a perfect human being. Chapters like "on the Importance of Being Evil", "The Goodguy badge" and "Two Wrongs Make A Right" I agree with completely. You'll have to buy the book yourself and see why. Of course, I'm not actually a satanist, I'm really an atheist, so the only thing that I do not agree with in this book is all that magic and occult [stuff] that plague all of Lavey's work (I know that satanism doesn't equal to devil worship and Lavey's work doesn't mention anything about virgin sacrifices, animal mutilation or any other sick stuff that christians like to credit satanist with, for those of you that are satanist and are reading this review, so relax). Anyway, I have read other of Lavey's works. The satanic bible was okay, but it was filled with stuff that people should already know by instinct, satanist or not. The Satanic witch is just about the only piece of Lavey's work that I find repugnant and stupid. Again, in my opinion, those of you that are starting into satanism and/or never read one of Lavey's works, satanist or not, I suggest you start with this book first before you read any other material by him.

If Satanism is a subject that interests you, or philosophy, or how to handle diffecult people in your life, then this book is for you. You could think of it as a 'Short introduction to Satanism' or as 'An insite to a realistic way of life'

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.

Everything negative can be said about this book, even by those that read it. LaVey speaks only to very few who have a keen sense of humor, a sharp intellect, and a hearty taste for freedom. Most people need not apply for the position, and in fact, it's prefereable to everyone already inside. Purchase with care.

If you truely want to know the truth about Satanism then I suggest you read this book. Satanism could be a great religion for you once you get to know what it's all about.
Another book that I suggest you read is the "Satanic Bible" for it is the basestone of all satanic books.
This books are best enjoyed with an open mind!

This book was not as dissapointing as other reviews would make it seem(hint-hint, ignorant white-lighters). The Notebook provides the reader with a "fleshed-out" view of Satanism by providing specific examples in the application of Satanic philosohpy. If you haven't read the Satanic Bible, or don't understand the teachings of LaVey, this book will not be what you want out the Church of Satan. One must understand the basics before the subtle aspects of Satanic lifestyle can be explored.