The Last Testament of Anton Szandor LaVey

A comment that I first found peculiar was uttered in two different interviews, one with Ram Dass (Dr. Richard Alpert), and one with the disgraced Jimmy Savile. Both said of their deceased beloved (guru and mother, respectively) something to the effect of, "When [he/she] died, they were all mine. I didn't have to share them anymore." After listening to various interviews and reading different portrayals of Dr. LaVey online and in print, those initially strange-sounding quotes crept into my mind. Disparate online personalities struck me as not-so-discreetly vying for some sort of personal egoic absorption and ownership of Dr. LaVey in one way or another, as if to say, "Well, you see, it was I who knew him best." From gratuitous paeans to dismissive vilifications, it all flows easily (and often unchecked) when someone is long dead and no longer around to respond for themselves.What you will find in this book is, from my perspective, a refreshing break from overly gratuitous characterizations and attempts at egoic ownership of a dead man and his legacy. Sure, Boyd pedestalizes Dr. LaVey in certain respects, especially in what appear to be the midst of genuinely vulnerable emotional moments in the "Burying the Black Pope" chapter (also printed in "Standing in Two Circles"), and he clearly saw much of himself reflected in him. But despite the intense bond, Boyd seems to have remained autonomous and his own man when he reportedly turned down CoS leadership; he seemed to resist that sort of symbolic (or perhaps not-so-symbolic) psychospiritual fusion. (I couch this more tentatively because I more recently read conflicting reports on whether Mr. Rice was in fact offered CoS leadership - I personally could not find any evidence of it and thus need to be more careful with my assumptions).Overall, Boyd paints a poignant and memorable portrait of a man who truly seemed to "stand in two circles" in his manifestation and embrace of deep-seated misanthropy vis-a-vis equally deep generosity, childlike excitement for the simple things in life, and kindness for those he cared about most in his inner "magic" circle. And somewhere within the overlapping portion of the "two circles" lay a rare form of dark empathy with tragic individuals like Ed Gein and James Huberty (i.e., trespassing the taboo of trying to identify with how they could cognitively and emotionally arrive at such a desire for cruel behavioral manifestation while simultaneously recognizing the inappropriateness of how and toward whom such cruelty was directed).The "Hellfire on Hollywood Boulevard" chapter is, in my opinion, worth the price of the book alone. From Dr. LaVey's allegedly shotgun booby-trapped windows to devilish antics with Mercedes hood ornaments, the chapter is rife with delightful dark humor and memories shared among Boyd Rice, Karla LaVey, and Kenneth Anger during a special sold-out Halloween event in 2017.A big heartfelt thanks to Boyd Rice for taking the time and effort to compile this gem, including the generous number of high-quality photos. Regardless of whatever personal rivalries may exist between Mr. Rice and modern-day CoS members, I find all of their perspectives and insights worth reading and reflecting upon while also exercising caution in believing person A over person B.IDEOLOGY IS TOXIC! (great t-shirt, by the way!)

Read the reviews about this book and appreciated the forewarning about "reading with caution" from Blanche Barton whose book "We are Satanists" I read prior to this book (excellent, thorough book by the way) so I knew what I was getting in certain aspects.Finished the book in a day. and the end conclusion I reached is that it was good to read both the interviews and the memories of Anton. I really wish I could have met the man as COS philosophy has been part of my belief system for many years and I would have liked to been able to thank him personally for all that he accomplished as it has been of great benefit to me realizing my potential.As others have pointed out, Boyd does take the route of trying to appear as "super important person" with some of his claims and others have taken that stance also which probably led to Anton saying something to the effect of there always being "ex high priests in the media but no low priests" and its this "labeling" that perplexes me as to how alot attach such importance to titles whether real or manufactured...IMO it would have just been awesome to get to know Anton as I have had the opportunity to meet other "teachers" that have been great sources of wisdom also and if I had....would have shared those memories without embellishment.That one slight criticism aside....it was still worth reading....and I am glad I did.

Worth it. Add it to your cart already. A lot like the old RE/SEARCH books we grew up on. Sure, many of us have read a lot of these interviews before. Still, ain’t it nice to have all the info in one scrappy scrap book. They’re fascinating interviews too - one would be hard pressed to write anything drab and unfab about the Doctor.Full color is a nice touch & Whale Song has an eye for pop culture and kitsch that is unrivaled.If you enjoyed this read - do yourself a kindness and check out Whale Song’s design work in The Mystery of the Sleeping Keyboardist (written by Shaun Partridge). If you’re loading up your cart get my books too (Soulless Heavens and other titles from The Red Salon) because we are all operating in the same occult un-iverse where Fun is the Law. Don’t you desire what we have?Hell yes you do.

Whether you're interested in LaVey as a cultural phenomenon, you're a Satanist or you simply want something a little different to read, I cannot recommend this book enough.Within these pages, you will find some great reminiscences from the author, Boyd Rice, about his friend and mentor as well as some incredibly illuminating interviews with, not only the man himself but, also his eldest daughter Karla LaVey.This book is very much a labour of love and it shows! Not only is the production great but Whalesong Partridge has also done a fantastic job as editor. The feel and look of this tome is a fair indication of the quality to be found within.I would highly recommend this book.

Ordered 'The Last Testament...' the day I saw it released, read it the day the book arrived. This is a must for anyone who loves the writing of Anton LaVey and wants to be taken into his world anew. Boyd Rice has assembled a wonderful collection on LaVey that every fan of Anton needs. There's much within new – LaVey's meeting with Ed Gein and his encounter with the Black Dahlia murderer will be of especial interest to true crime buffs, and there's material on the CoS founder's relationship with Jayne Mansfield that I have not heard anywhere else. Not forgetting the huge amount of archival material. My only wish is that it could have included photos of Anton's bookshelves (or a list of the books!) Been wondering what some of those were ever since I watched Speak of the Devil years ago.

Everything doesn't have to be true... Church of Satan "true" followers will, of course, give the book a big thumbs down, just as they do with anyone who disagrees with them until 100%. CoS died in 1997 and no really good written material has come out after it of interest, that people question Boyd's that it was the the last interview with LaVey...who cares, it is the content of the interview that is interesting. I would recommend this book together with Satan Speaks which is the best book by LaVey

Book arrived yesterday morning and I read it last night. I was expecting 'Pure LaVey' and Boyd Rice has delivered exactly that! Ill keep this short and sweet - If you are at all interested in LaVey then you need to buy this book. Just do it!

This book is an early xmas gift to myself, to add to my collection of all things Anton Lavey. I never expected such great illustations to enhance the reading experience. A must for any fan !