REVIEW
THE SECRET LIFE OF A SATANIST
By Blanche Barton
We
knew that the man who created The Satanic Bible had to be something special,
but we didn’t know how special. We still don’t know, but we have a clearer
idea. As Ms Barton says in her book, no-one really gets to know him. The same
remark could be applied to DL’s Adept; maybe that is one way of recognising a
rare species.
THE
SECRET LIFE OF A SATANIST gives much previously unknown biographical
information about the man who founded the Church of Satan. Fascinating details
of his childhood, adolescence and early adulthood throw light upon the
influences which helped shape his interests and eventually led to the
epoch-making formation of the CoS. There are many more insights into the life
of Dr LaVey and the personalities who gather around him. And some readers will
be most interested in the question Did he
make it with Monroe and Mansfield? Well, what do you think? But this is not
merely a book of gossip and name-dropping (though it offers quite a few surprises
along those lines). The Secret Life
is a well-chosen title. There are glimpses of the very private man, set apart
from the rest of humanity by the clarity of his vision and intellect. Far
removed from the Great Showman image that we know. Yet the Showman exists too,
and more that we can only guess.
So
many quotes I would like to include but I have to choose just one. In answer to
the old myth that one has to sell one’s soul to Satan and sign a pact in blood,
Dr LaVey replies: Come on – souls come very cheap these days. This myth is
perpetrated by Christian Satanists who are following the lead of medieval
witch-hunters. Satan demands a much harder task than signing over your soul in
blood. He demands that you live your life as fully as you can, prosper by your
own wits and avoid misery. You wouldn’t believe what a tall order that is for
most people!
As
well as a biography, the book gives a valuable account of beliefs and practice
within the Church of Satan. Another indispensable addition to the Satanists
library.
Published
by Feral House, PO Box 861893, Los Angeles, CA 90086+1893 USA. $19.95. Overseas
add $3.50 (surface) or $7.00 airmail.
PLEASE
NOTE – AND THIS APPLIES TO EVERYONE: when ordering books etc from
overseas, do not send a personal cheque in your own currency. Bank exchange
charges are exorbitant. Send your remittance in the currency of the country to
which you are applying. Your bank or post office can arrange this.
p11-12 Dark Lily Journal No12. Society of Dark Lily
(London 1991)