An inside view of the provocative man who created the Church of Satan and wrote The Satanic Bible.

The true story, from inside, of Anton LaVey.

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

Blanche Barton traces the roots of Anton LaVey's notorious religion to ancient Epicureanism and Middle Eastern traditions, through the medieval alchemists and Romantic poets, flavored by the decadence of the Hellfire Clubs and the courts of Europe, intertwined through the fin de siècle diabolists to reveal how modern Satanists express and explore this thoroughly contemporary philosophy. You will meet healthcare workers, creative artists, VR developers, scientific innovators, teachers, military personnel, and business leaders who have boldly made their pacts with Satan, reaping considerable rewards. Through Barton's intimate knowledge and extensive interviews with current Satanists, as well as her behind the black curtain access to the present High Priest and Priestess of the Church of Satan, this book provides an unprecedented glimpse into this shadowed, secretive world.

A history of the world's most notorious religion, now twenty-five years old. An account of the many strange & sensational events that surrounded the Black Pope, Anton LaVey & his thousands of followers as they ushered in a new era of indulgence & carnality, based on pleasure instead of self-denial. Details the evenings spent with LaVey's Magic Circle, peopled with artists, writers & filmmakers whose names will be familiar, & points out de-facto Satanists throughout history, such as Benjamin Franklin & Mark Twain. Chapters include "Satan's Master Plan" & "How to Perform Satanic Rituals." Appendices list diabolically-inspired books, films & music, as well as a digest of letters the Church has received over the years. Debunks the many myths & misconceptions regarding Satanism that have been promulgated on the talk-show circuit. THE CHURCH OF SATAN is both a history & a handbook, written as a companion volume to LaVey's SATANIC BIBLE, whichoccult book merchants assert is "the all-time occult bestseller."