Anton Szandor 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.

In general The Devil Notebook is 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!

About Author:

Anton Szandor LaVey (11 April 1930 - 29 October 1997) was the founder of the first Satanic church in America in 1966 on Walpurgisnacht day and was the former High Priest of the Church of Satan. LaVey was also a writer, occultist, musician, and actor. He is the author of The Satanic Bible and the founder of Satanism, a synthesized system of his understanding of human nature and the insights of philosophers who advocated materialism and individualism, for which he claimed no "supernatural inspiration". LaVey viewed "Satan" not as a literal deity or entity, but as an historic and literary figure symbolic of Earthly values.