Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan: Infernal Wisdom from the Devil's Den

After reading several online characterizations of Anton LaVey's life and ideas that seemed superficial and not particularly well-researched, I decided to read Abrahamsson's biography. Abrahamsson was a personal friend and associate of LaVey towards the end of the latter's life. The portrait of LaVey which emerges in Infernal Wisdom is insightful and nuanced; one that never flattens out into hagiography. It is an intellectual history of Anton LaVey's ideas as well as an erudite, yet accessible elaboration of the same. Anyone misled into believing that LaVey was little more than a carny showman who sold a humorless brew of Randian Objectivism, Nietzschean atheism, and heartless selfishness will be surprised and impressed by this beautifully written book. Whether one agrees or not with LaVey's ideas, Abrahamsson succeeds in presenting him as a complex man of wit and intelligence, one whose philosophy remains, in many respects, refreshingly ahead of its time. In addition to letting the man speak through his own words and writings, the book features many fascinating interviews with LaVey's son, legendary filmmaker and collaborator Kenneth Anger, and the men and women currently guiding the Church of Satan . Richly researched and even-handed, Abrahamsson's biography of LaVey and his work should serve a vital role in helping seeker and student alike to have a balanced and accurate understanding of the man's life and work.

In depth interviews with those who were close to LaVey. A delightful perspective into the Doktor's relationships with his friends/family. Excellent !

A legit biography of a controversial figure in pop culture

I like 👍 this 📕 book thank you so much 😊

The last half of the book is just transcripts of interviews with repetitive stories praising LaVey. Its the exact same interviews used for the documentary, so there isn't any need for both. The bio is quite good, the interviews I became too bored with to even finish.

Thought this would be a biography instead of just praise of Satanism and LaVey

This book is an excellent representation of Anton LaVey, The Church of Satan and the legacy of both. Carl Abrahamsson did a wonderful job by allowing Satanists who knew LaVey on a personal level to express their views of the man and the diverse ways in which he influenced them. It also gives the astute reader much to ponder.