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Born with a Tail: The Devilish Life and Wicked Times of Anton Szandor LaVey, Founder of the Church of Satan
A provocative, irreverent biography of Anton Szandor LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan, BORN WITH A TAIL chronicles a time when Americans could welcome a macabre showman into their living rooms via TheTonight Show, before a ginned-up hysteria known as the Satanic Panic would put a target on his shiny, shaven head. When Anton LaVey burst onto the San Francisco scene right before the Summer of Love, he parlayed his eerie obsessions into a philosophy and lifestyle that capitalized on a New Age rage. With his signature cape, horn-studded hood, and Ming the Merciless beard, LaVey was a media-savvy provocateur who took what he did seriously, but was always in on the joke. From a spooky old Victorian house, he founded the Church of Satan, where young women squirmed nude on the mantel of his ritual chamber as he delivered a doctrine of self-deification and indulgence that combined the writings of Ayn Rand, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Aleister Crowley with the pulpy fictions of H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard. Later, his book The Satanic Bible (still in print since 1969) struck an ominous chord with the alienated—the fringe dwellers who were goth before there were goths. But LaVey’s influence could be felt far beyond his flock, namely in the paranormal and metaphysical entertainment that dominated pop culture in the 1970s and continues to make an impact today. He was a musical prodigy who attracted a cluster of celebrities into his orbit, including Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, and Sammy Davis Jr. But living like a real-life Gomez Addams, complete with a full-grown pet lion, came at an awful price. Deeply researched and featuring dozens of interviews, as well as recently unearthed personal correspondence, BORN WITH A The Devilish Life and Wicked Times of Anton Szandor LaVey, Founder of the Church of Satan separates the facts from the fabrications of this uniquely American character’s extraordinary life.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2024
17 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Doug Brod
12 books5 followersDOUG BROD is the former editor in chief of SPIN magazine and was a long-time editor at Entertainment Weekly. He has worked for Atlantic Records, taught at New York University, and was a segment producer of the comedy/music television series Oddville, MTV. Brod has also written for the New York Times, Billboard, Classic Rock, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Trouser Press Record Guide. A native New Yorker, he lives with his family in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 9, 2024
If I were to describe Doug Brod's "Born with a Tail: The Devilish Life and Wicked Times of Anton Szandor Lavey, Founder of the Church of Satan," the word I would choose would likely be "sadness."
Amidst the cheeky irreverence and provocative storytelling of "Born with a Tail," there's an almost suffocating sense of sadness that radiates from the pages of the book as Brod reveals the truth about the myths and the myths about the truth involving a larger-than-life figure with a Ming the Merciless beard and an abundance of eerie obsessions that he grew into what would be known as the Church of Satan.
To be sure, Brod has crafted an engaging, well-researched biography of LaVey. While it may or may not be a subject you care about, it's hard to imagine LaVey getting a much better biography than Brod has produced with a wealth of details, dozens of new interviews, and recently unearthed personal and church correspondence and records.
If you've been reading my reviews for any length of time, then you're likely baffled by my interest in a LaVey biography. After all, these days I primarily check out books within the realm of Christian Living, entertainment, poetry, and generally feel-good stuff.
Trust me, "Born with a Tail" is not feel-good.
It's feel angry. It's feel sad. It's feel exhausted. It's feel devilish. But yeah, feel-good isn't really here.
While I'm largely going to shy away from details for this review out of respect to those who will want to devour "Born with a Tail," I'll note that a late section dealing with Marilyn Manson brought forth much of how I feel about the book. The Anton LaVey that Brod creates is a macabre showman, a character really, whose life became so consumed by that character that it manifested in a myriad of ways from entertaining to menacing, strangely hospitable to ominously isolative.
Brod only briefly paints an early portrait of LaVey before plopping us down in San Francisco where LaVey burst onto the scene just before the Summer of Love with a provocative, highly sexualized spiritual path of sorts that seemed to attract just the kinds of folks that LaVey ultimately looked down on. LaVey, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 67, was a remarkable showman and knew how to present himself and the universe he was aiming to create. In the 60's and 70's, LaVey was a pop culture icon with appearances on The Tonight Show and folks like Jayne Mansfield and Sammy Davis Jr. known to be amidst his circle. "Born with a Tail" names names unabashedly.
LaVey's status waned during the late 80's and early 90's when the U.S. was consumed by the Satanic Panic and suddenly Satanism was no longer seen through a sort of playful, tongue-in-cheek lens.
In case you're wondering, it was that Satanic Panic that led me to this book and this review. As an undergraduate, my thesis was on the subject of Satanic Ritual Abuse and the Satanic Panic. So, yeah, I spent the better part of a year consumed by the subject and having read all of LaVey's books including The Satanic Bible (which I think I've still got around here somewhere).
To know the Church of Satan was to see influences by Ayn Rand, Nietzche, Crowley, Lovecraft, and others. LaVey's home, "The Black House" at 6114 California Street in San Francisco, was a place where you could find young women squirming nude on the mantel of his ritual chamber while LaVey himself would wax charismatically a doctrine of self-deification and indulgence.
The Satanic Bible, which is still in print, registered with hipsters looking for the next big thing and fringe dwellers looking for a place to be connected to someone or something. It would be nearly impossible to deny LaVey's ongoing influence on certain aspects of culture even today. The Church of Satan continues, now based in New York.
It's difficult to "recommend" "Born with a Tail," though for those who have an interest in the subject it would also be difficult to not call it a must-read. "Born with a Tail" is cheeky and irreverent, though it's also dark and suffocating and there's no question that things you'll learn about LaVey will be difficult to digest.
It seems almost silly to offer up a trigger warning about a book centered around the Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan but, yeah, a trigger warning is nevertheless offered.
As I noted while opening this review, the overwhelming feeling I came away with as I wound down my time with "Born with a Tail" was one of sadness. Did LaVey really believe in this Satanism? Was he simply a master showman? Was he a wounded soul who took control out of that woundedness? Was there more?
Ultimately, "Born with a Tail" is a wickedly constructed character portrait of one of the 20th century's most compelling and mysterious cultural figures and one who continues to hold that mystique even today.
Amidst the cheeky irreverence and provocative storytelling of "Born with a Tail," there's an almost suffocating sense of sadness that radiates from the pages of the book as Brod reveals the truth about the myths and the myths about the truth involving a larger-than-life figure with a Ming the Merciless beard and an abundance of eerie obsessions that he grew into what would be known as the Church of Satan.
To be sure, Brod has crafted an engaging, well-researched biography of LaVey. While it may or may not be a subject you care about, it's hard to imagine LaVey getting a much better biography than Brod has produced with a wealth of details, dozens of new interviews, and recently unearthed personal and church correspondence and records.
If you've been reading my reviews for any length of time, then you're likely baffled by my interest in a LaVey biography. After all, these days I primarily check out books within the realm of Christian Living, entertainment, poetry, and generally feel-good stuff.
Trust me, "Born with a Tail" is not feel-good.
It's feel angry. It's feel sad. It's feel exhausted. It's feel devilish. But yeah, feel-good isn't really here.
While I'm largely going to shy away from details for this review out of respect to those who will want to devour "Born with a Tail," I'll note that a late section dealing with Marilyn Manson brought forth much of how I feel about the book. The Anton LaVey that Brod creates is a macabre showman, a character really, whose life became so consumed by that character that it manifested in a myriad of ways from entertaining to menacing, strangely hospitable to ominously isolative.
Brod only briefly paints an early portrait of LaVey before plopping us down in San Francisco where LaVey burst onto the scene just before the Summer of Love with a provocative, highly sexualized spiritual path of sorts that seemed to attract just the kinds of folks that LaVey ultimately looked down on. LaVey, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 67, was a remarkable showman and knew how to present himself and the universe he was aiming to create. In the 60's and 70's, LaVey was a pop culture icon with appearances on The Tonight Show and folks like Jayne Mansfield and Sammy Davis Jr. known to be amidst his circle. "Born with a Tail" names names unabashedly.
LaVey's status waned during the late 80's and early 90's when the U.S. was consumed by the Satanic Panic and suddenly Satanism was no longer seen through a sort of playful, tongue-in-cheek lens.
In case you're wondering, it was that Satanic Panic that led me to this book and this review. As an undergraduate, my thesis was on the subject of Satanic Ritual Abuse and the Satanic Panic. So, yeah, I spent the better part of a year consumed by the subject and having read all of LaVey's books including The Satanic Bible (which I think I've still got around here somewhere).
To know the Church of Satan was to see influences by Ayn Rand, Nietzche, Crowley, Lovecraft, and others. LaVey's home, "The Black House" at 6114 California Street in San Francisco, was a place where you could find young women squirming nude on the mantel of his ritual chamber while LaVey himself would wax charismatically a doctrine of self-deification and indulgence.
The Satanic Bible, which is still in print, registered with hipsters looking for the next big thing and fringe dwellers looking for a place to be connected to someone or something. It would be nearly impossible to deny LaVey's ongoing influence on certain aspects of culture even today. The Church of Satan continues, now based in New York.
It's difficult to "recommend" "Born with a Tail," though for those who have an interest in the subject it would also be difficult to not call it a must-read. "Born with a Tail" is cheeky and irreverent, though it's also dark and suffocating and there's no question that things you'll learn about LaVey will be difficult to digest.
It seems almost silly to offer up a trigger warning about a book centered around the Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan but, yeah, a trigger warning is nevertheless offered.
As I noted while opening this review, the overwhelming feeling I came away with as I wound down my time with "Born with a Tail" was one of sadness. Did LaVey really believe in this Satanism? Was he simply a master showman? Was he a wounded soul who took control out of that woundedness? Was there more?
Ultimately, "Born with a Tail" is a wickedly constructed character portrait of one of the 20th century's most compelling and mysterious cultural figures and one who continues to hold that mystique even today.
October 10, 2024
Big thanks to Hachette Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Doug Brod’s book Born with a Tail: The Devilish Life and Wicked Times of Anton Szandor LaVey, Founder of the Church of Satan. Born with a Tail could also be titled Born with a Tale, as Brod’s book about Anton LeVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, chronicles many of LaVey’s stories and myths that have been both part of his legend as well as typically debunked by his critics, his family, and his followers. The tail in question is one that LaVey claims he had up until his adolescence, when it became an irritation and needed to be removed. This was also the time he supposedly joined the circus and became an apprentice to a lion tamer, although there is no real record of his time in the circus or as a lion tamer. However, as Brod’s in depth and colorful biography presents, we learned that LaVey kept a lion at the Black House, the Church of Satan’s longtime headquarters in San Francisco, for a number of years after the church’s inception. Interestingly, LaVey’s lion, Togare, somehow ended up with Tipi Hedren. While LaVey’s stories and legends are entertaining and serve mainly to boost his black magic cred, it was also amazing to see how many different people and celebrities LaVey crossed paths with as the head of the Church of Satan.
I’ve always had an interest in the Church, but my awareness of it came at a time when the focus had really shifted, and I think I was more aware of the Satanic Temple, which Brod differentiates from the Church of Satan towards the end of the book. I actually had the Something Weird DVD for Satanis and had read a book about Satan in popular culture—I thought it was from Feral House, but I can’t find it. In any event, the book featured a lot of LaVey and some of the individuals he was involved with towards the latter 1/3 of the Church’s period—the 80s and 90s. I had some idea of about the original philosophy and some of the popular myths, but Brod’s book really helps to establish a strong timeline and interrogate many of the myths about the Church and LaVey’s life. For example, we find out that despite LaVey’s insistence, he was not involved in Rosemary’s Baby, and definitely did not play The Devil in the dream sequence. Additionally, we learn that LaVey was probably not a crime scene photographer for the San Francisco PD, in the same way that Weegee was. I did find it interesting that LaVey recognized the power of personal stories, media, and embellishment to further his cause and create a Church to pretty much do what he wanted and have other people give him money. Brod’s detailed interviews and stories show that LaVey didn’t live luxuriously off his followers, especially towards the end of the book and LaVey’s life. However, he seemed to maintain a public front as someone who advocated a “Satanic” life to receive funding. Brod presents a critical view of LaVey, showing us both LaVey’s carefully constructed life along with the reality and criticisms he faced; however, I did find it sad that LaVey devolved into a kind of fascist lover and nazi apologist. This is where I always kind of was confused about the Church and its affiliations with musicians like Boyd Rice. Brod’s book helps to provide more insight into this time period in the Church, and it helps to clarify, for me at least, that LaVey was basically accepting of nazis. I also learned about LaVey’s association with Marilyn Manson towards the end of LaVey’s life, and this also makes sense since Manson was someone who flirted with nazi and fascistic imagery. The strange part for me was learning that Greg Turkington shows up in this book as someone who ended up releasing some of LaVey’s organ music, and eventually compiling a posthumous collection of LaVey’s writing. Like I mentioned previously, it’s so strange to think about all of these disparate celebrities and artists who had some kind of connection with LaVey—from Sammy Davis Jr and Jayne Mansfield to Greg Turkington and Marilyn Manson. Turkington seems to really have bonded with LaVey over his older music and eccentric stories, whether they were real or not, and mentioned that LaVey didn’t really discuss fascism or anything. Through Brod’s presentation of these disparate individuals, we learn how effective LaVey was at reading people—like a carny—he’s able to size people up and see what would appeal to them. It also helped to see how this kind of American interpretation of religion and religious freedom allows for this kind of trickster or confidence man, who is ultimately looking to exploit people for his own ends. As I was reading this book (which I also couldn’t put down), I couldn’t help but think of how LaVey would thrive today on social media, and how similar he is to influencers and others looking to create a self, whether it is authentic or not, and to market themselves and their lifestyle to others. It’s interesting to think about how much of this social media economy is “satanic” in the sense that it is really based on the pleasure principle and not being concerned with integrity or reality even, and being more focused on style, creation of the self, and shaping one’s own reality. I really recommend this book since it spans an incredibly interesting period of popular American culture, and looks at a figure who may not be that well known, but has been influential in shaping many different fields of entertainment. The only thing that I would have liked to see more of in this book is pictures. I am not sure if published editions had pictures, but I think that a subject as interesting as LaVey that touched many different areas of popular culture would have benefited from more pictures. Nevertheless, this was a fun and interesting book.
I’ve always had an interest in the Church, but my awareness of it came at a time when the focus had really shifted, and I think I was more aware of the Satanic Temple, which Brod differentiates from the Church of Satan towards the end of the book. I actually had the Something Weird DVD for Satanis and had read a book about Satan in popular culture—I thought it was from Feral House, but I can’t find it. In any event, the book featured a lot of LaVey and some of the individuals he was involved with towards the latter 1/3 of the Church’s period—the 80s and 90s. I had some idea of about the original philosophy and some of the popular myths, but Brod’s book really helps to establish a strong timeline and interrogate many of the myths about the Church and LaVey’s life. For example, we find out that despite LaVey’s insistence, he was not involved in Rosemary’s Baby, and definitely did not play The Devil in the dream sequence. Additionally, we learn that LaVey was probably not a crime scene photographer for the San Francisco PD, in the same way that Weegee was. I did find it interesting that LaVey recognized the power of personal stories, media, and embellishment to further his cause and create a Church to pretty much do what he wanted and have other people give him money. Brod’s detailed interviews and stories show that LaVey didn’t live luxuriously off his followers, especially towards the end of the book and LaVey’s life. However, he seemed to maintain a public front as someone who advocated a “Satanic” life to receive funding. Brod presents a critical view of LaVey, showing us both LaVey’s carefully constructed life along with the reality and criticisms he faced; however, I did find it sad that LaVey devolved into a kind of fascist lover and nazi apologist. This is where I always kind of was confused about the Church and its affiliations with musicians like Boyd Rice. Brod’s book helps to provide more insight into this time period in the Church, and it helps to clarify, for me at least, that LaVey was basically accepting of nazis. I also learned about LaVey’s association with Marilyn Manson towards the end of LaVey’s life, and this also makes sense since Manson was someone who flirted with nazi and fascistic imagery. The strange part for me was learning that Greg Turkington shows up in this book as someone who ended up releasing some of LaVey’s organ music, and eventually compiling a posthumous collection of LaVey’s writing. Like I mentioned previously, it’s so strange to think about all of these disparate celebrities and artists who had some kind of connection with LaVey—from Sammy Davis Jr and Jayne Mansfield to Greg Turkington and Marilyn Manson. Turkington seems to really have bonded with LaVey over his older music and eccentric stories, whether they were real or not, and mentioned that LaVey didn’t really discuss fascism or anything. Through Brod’s presentation of these disparate individuals, we learn how effective LaVey was at reading people—like a carny—he’s able to size people up and see what would appeal to them. It also helped to see how this kind of American interpretation of religion and religious freedom allows for this kind of trickster or confidence man, who is ultimately looking to exploit people for his own ends. As I was reading this book (which I also couldn’t put down), I couldn’t help but think of how LaVey would thrive today on social media, and how similar he is to influencers and others looking to create a self, whether it is authentic or not, and to market themselves and their lifestyle to others. It’s interesting to think about how much of this social media economy is “satanic” in the sense that it is really based on the pleasure principle and not being concerned with integrity or reality even, and being more focused on style, creation of the self, and shaping one’s own reality. I really recommend this book since it spans an incredibly interesting period of popular American culture, and looks at a figure who may not be that well known, but has been influential in shaping many different fields of entertainment. The only thing that I would have liked to see more of in this book is pictures. I am not sure if published editions had pictures, but I think that a subject as interesting as LaVey that touched many different areas of popular culture would have benefited from more pictures. Nevertheless, this was a fun and interesting book.
September 17, 2024
I met Anton LaVey a few years before he died. No big story or connection, just a small interaction, but I really wanted to know how he got to be who he was. The curiosity passed, mostly because of the conflicting stories. When I saw this ARC was available, I had to try and get it.
This book was amazing! There is so much information in it and the stories! I learned more than I thought I would, and it was so well written and researched that I couldn’t put it down!
There aren’t any punches pulled, but it’s not done with malice. The author was fully aware of who Anton was and handled him and all his sides with a sharp eye and a sly smile. He also delivers the dirt.
I loved this and will read more of the author’s work. The topic of this may not be for everyone, but I can’t recommend it more!!
Thanks to NetGalley for this great ARC! All opinions are my own.
This book was amazing! There is so much information in it and the stories! I learned more than I thought I would, and it was so well written and researched that I couldn’t put it down!
There aren’t any punches pulled, but it’s not done with malice. The author was fully aware of who Anton was and handled him and all his sides with a sharp eye and a sly smile. He also delivers the dirt.
I loved this and will read more of the author’s work. The topic of this may not be for everyone, but I can’t recommend it more!!
Thanks to NetGalley for this great ARC! All opinions are my own.
March 10, 2025
My fascination with Anton LaVey began at age 15, when I began to take an interest in the occult arts. I read "The Secret Life of a Satanist" upon its release, and was completely mesmerized by the man behind the myth. However, "Born with a Tail" offers a refreshingly candid portrait that strips away the carefully crafted persona to reveal LaVey as he truly was—from his early years through the aftermath of his death.
While the book exposes how some well-known aspects of LaVey's life were embellished to enhance his mystique, this demystification doesn't diminish his significance. After all, LaVey ignited a cultural and religious movement that continues to thrive today. Despite (or perhaps because of) the exaggerations, he cultivated an undeniably fascinating life and left an indelible legacy that ensures he will be remembered for generations to come.
While the book exposes how some well-known aspects of LaVey's life were embellished to enhance his mystique, this demystification doesn't diminish his significance. After all, LaVey ignited a cultural and religious movement that continues to thrive today. Despite (or perhaps because of) the exaggerations, he cultivated an undeniably fascinating life and left an indelible legacy that ensures he will be remembered for generations to come.
November 28, 2024
I got all the information I needed about LaVey so that was good.
I would have liked a bit of a feminist lens on it as so much misogyny was left untackled. What ultimately put me off though were the interviews with Marilyn Manson who the author flippantly just says he 'vigorously denied' all the abuse allegations against him 🙄
I would have liked a bit of a feminist lens on it as so much misogyny was left untackled. What ultimately put me off though were the interviews with Marilyn Manson who the author flippantly just says he 'vigorously denied' all the abuse allegations against him 🙄
July 6, 2024
Ok, this was not an easy read for me. I had to do lots of thinking and pondering and yes, head shaking while I was reading it. I wasn't even sure if I could review it due to how angry and astonished I was as I continued reading.
There is a lot of information to digest. I always thought that Anton LaVey was a bit "out there" and this book showed me just how much!! He certainly was an interesting man who was a liar and an attention seeker for sure! The author certainly did his research. Very interesting read that would appeal to anyone who remembers LaVey or wants to know more about him. It will leave you shaking your head too I bet!
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this book and offer my honest review.
There is a lot of information to digest. I always thought that Anton LaVey was a bit "out there" and this book showed me just how much!! He certainly was an interesting man who was a liar and an attention seeker for sure! The author certainly did his research. Very interesting read that would appeal to anyone who remembers LaVey or wants to know more about him. It will leave you shaking your head too I bet!
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this book and offer my honest review.
November 22, 2024
Forget “practice what you preach.” Do people even believe what they preach?
Apparently, Anton LaVey, founder of The Church of Satan, did not.
Is it any surprise that LaVey was a master con artist? Maybe also a great actor. And eventually he fell victim to his own trappings.
One of the interesting things a lot of people aren’t aware of is that LaVey’s church wasn’t about worshiping Satan. It was more about anti-worship, doing your own thing, hedonism, and living on the edge of mainstream society. He played up the satan part, with the devil horns and such, for effect, and it worked.
While I knew that part, there is a lot of information here that I didn’t know. This story is, at turns, weird and interesting and sad.
Despite his death, LaVey’s presence lingers in his influence on modern occult movements and the goth lifestyle. This book is a fascinating snapshot of an enigmatic man who led a social movement that continues and evolves.
*Thanks to Hachette Books for the free copy!*
Apparently, Anton LaVey, founder of The Church of Satan, did not.
Is it any surprise that LaVey was a master con artist? Maybe also a great actor. And eventually he fell victim to his own trappings.
One of the interesting things a lot of people aren’t aware of is that LaVey’s church wasn’t about worshiping Satan. It was more about anti-worship, doing your own thing, hedonism, and living on the edge of mainstream society. He played up the satan part, with the devil horns and such, for effect, and it worked.
While I knew that part, there is a lot of information here that I didn’t know. This story is, at turns, weird and interesting and sad.
Despite his death, LaVey’s presence lingers in his influence on modern occult movements and the goth lifestyle. This book is a fascinating snapshot of an enigmatic man who led a social movement that continues and evolves.
*Thanks to Hachette Books for the free copy!*
November 23, 2024
When it is all said and done Anton LaVey is just not that interesting of a person.
October 19, 2024
I found this biography challenging to get into. LaVey himself being such a shady character it was hard to tell fact from fiction. As such, I feel like I learned very little other than there is little he wouldn’t do for a buck.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the complimentary copy.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the complimentary copy.
August 19, 2024
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Hachette Books for an advance copy of this biography on a man who made his own mark, of the devil, on the imaginations of so many people and society in a time that seemed more accepted of different ideas, and innocent of those who the profit in these different ideas.
I was torn in writing in introduction to this review, as the man being discusses was in a legion all his own. Was he a huckster who created everything, including his own past and religion, with a savvy mind for marketing? Was he a religious leader and scholar who used the trappings of the modern world to teach others of the true way? This true way is one of selfishness, though it seems to be one that many people even the most righteous seem to live by. Was he a true scholar of the arcane, or a careful reader of pulp stories with the smarts to know adding naked ladies and the idea of sex will bring in lots of converts, perverts, and contrary people making even more profit. Or is he the guy whose books have to be tagged in bookstores as people steal them constantly, which is how many know him. Anton Szandor LaVey was all of this and more. A wild animal owner, a musician of note, friend to many celebrities, and master fabulist, whose greatest creation was probably Anton Szandor LaVey. Born with a Tail: The Devilish Life and Wicked Times of Anton Szandor LaVey, Founder of the Church of Satan is written by Doug Brod and is not just a biography, but a look at a time when new ideas were discussed freely, on television, in the streets, in newspapers, without fear of being boycotted, swatted, Doxxed, or the many ways we have come to disagree with things that go against our personal norms.
Howard Stanton Lavey was born in Chicago in 1930. That seems true. LaVey had a gift for musical instruments and learned to play in Baptist schools. Ok, possible. Anton LaVey talks about leaving school at the age of 16 to join the circus, starting first as a roustabout, a person who helps set up the circus, a wild animal trainer, spending nights sleeping with the animals, and playing the calliope. Hmm not so sure. Anton LaVey also claimed he worked as a crime photographer, but his records were expunged from the police department's personal files, as they didn't want to be associated with him. And here is where the fantasy might begin. Making his way by playing music in burlesque shows, Anton LaVey begin making contacts with various people, reporters and the like who wanted stories about the weird things going on in San Francisco. He also claimed to date Marilyn Monroe. Anton LaVey became a paranormal investigator, giving lectures, driving a hearse, and walking his pet black leopard. LaVey decided to hold a ceremony, a wedding that began the seeds of the Church of Satan, and one that would bring him fame, infamy, money, grief, annoyance and much more.
First I can't imagine even trying to research this book, as there are so many stories, and made up things in Anton LaVey's life, that getting to the truth must have been daunting. Doug Boyd has done a wonderful job of writing both about the man, but the times, the openness for new things, that soon fell to the fear of civilization coming apart, as the Vietnam war, and the Manson murders took hold. Boyd is a very good writer, able to make events and ceremonies seem real and important without the wink and nods that many would toss in, just to insinuate look at this people. Anton LaVey brought his message to the masses, using mass media, a time when people had an interest in things that were different. A far different time than the one we find ourselves in.
I knew a bit about Anton LaVey, but found that he was far more interesting than I knew. A lover of movies, and novels, pulp stories, music and more. Was he a grifter? Sure. Did he belief his hype? Maybe. However he did live what he said, didn't hurt anyone, except his family. A very interesting book, that covered a lot more than I thought. A biography for people who love the odd, the different, and reading about people who created their own myths to live by. Also recommended for readers of the occult, to make their own mind up about Anton LaVey's legacy.
I was torn in writing in introduction to this review, as the man being discusses was in a legion all his own. Was he a huckster who created everything, including his own past and religion, with a savvy mind for marketing? Was he a religious leader and scholar who used the trappings of the modern world to teach others of the true way? This true way is one of selfishness, though it seems to be one that many people even the most righteous seem to live by. Was he a true scholar of the arcane, or a careful reader of pulp stories with the smarts to know adding naked ladies and the idea of sex will bring in lots of converts, perverts, and contrary people making even more profit. Or is he the guy whose books have to be tagged in bookstores as people steal them constantly, which is how many know him. Anton Szandor LaVey was all of this and more. A wild animal owner, a musician of note, friend to many celebrities, and master fabulist, whose greatest creation was probably Anton Szandor LaVey. Born with a Tail: The Devilish Life and Wicked Times of Anton Szandor LaVey, Founder of the Church of Satan is written by Doug Brod and is not just a biography, but a look at a time when new ideas were discussed freely, on television, in the streets, in newspapers, without fear of being boycotted, swatted, Doxxed, or the many ways we have come to disagree with things that go against our personal norms.
Howard Stanton Lavey was born in Chicago in 1930. That seems true. LaVey had a gift for musical instruments and learned to play in Baptist schools. Ok, possible. Anton LaVey talks about leaving school at the age of 16 to join the circus, starting first as a roustabout, a person who helps set up the circus, a wild animal trainer, spending nights sleeping with the animals, and playing the calliope. Hmm not so sure. Anton LaVey also claimed he worked as a crime photographer, but his records were expunged from the police department's personal files, as they didn't want to be associated with him. And here is where the fantasy might begin. Making his way by playing music in burlesque shows, Anton LaVey begin making contacts with various people, reporters and the like who wanted stories about the weird things going on in San Francisco. He also claimed to date Marilyn Monroe. Anton LaVey became a paranormal investigator, giving lectures, driving a hearse, and walking his pet black leopard. LaVey decided to hold a ceremony, a wedding that began the seeds of the Church of Satan, and one that would bring him fame, infamy, money, grief, annoyance and much more.
First I can't imagine even trying to research this book, as there are so many stories, and made up things in Anton LaVey's life, that getting to the truth must have been daunting. Doug Boyd has done a wonderful job of writing both about the man, but the times, the openness for new things, that soon fell to the fear of civilization coming apart, as the Vietnam war, and the Manson murders took hold. Boyd is a very good writer, able to make events and ceremonies seem real and important without the wink and nods that many would toss in, just to insinuate look at this people. Anton LaVey brought his message to the masses, using mass media, a time when people had an interest in things that were different. A far different time than the one we find ourselves in.
I knew a bit about Anton LaVey, but found that he was far more interesting than I knew. A lover of movies, and novels, pulp stories, music and more. Was he a grifter? Sure. Did he belief his hype? Maybe. However he did live what he said, didn't hurt anyone, except his family. A very interesting book, that covered a lot more than I thought. A biography for people who love the odd, the different, and reading about people who created their own myths to live by. Also recommended for readers of the occult, to make their own mind up about Anton LaVey's legacy.
October 24, 2025
To biografia, ale bardziej w duchu podtytułu — bo rzeczywiście opisuje niegodziwe i fascynujące lata 60. XX wieku w USA, zwłaszcza w Kalifornii. Żeby jednak uspokoić wszystkich: jest tu też sporo o diabelskim życiu Antona Szandora LaVeya, któremu ta książka (słowo dobrane celowo) jest poświęcona.
Wyłania się z niej postać skomplikowana, wielowymiarowa — równie przerażająca, co fascynująca. Inteligentna, cyniczna, błyskotliwa, potrafiąca wykorzystać okazję. Diabeł LaVeya jest tu raczej jasełkowy; więcej w nim marketingu i popkulturowej kontrkultury niż prawdziwego zła. W końcu trudno wierzyć, że założyciel Kościoła Szatana naprawdę uznawał istnienie rogatego demona — nawet jeśli lubił przebierać się za niego podczas symbolicznych rytuałów.
Najciekawszy jest rozdział, w którym bohatera dopada zwykłe życie: problemy rodzinne, codzienne kłopoty, rozczarowania. Wtedy ten „wcielony diabeł” staje się zaskakująco ludzki — i przez to nawet sympatyczny.
Warto też docenić wątki pokazujące, jak LaVey spotykał się i oddziaływał na ówczesną kulturę — oraz ilu znanych ludzi darzyło go sympatią. Po lekturze można odnieść wrażenie, że był to mroczny, ale naprawdę ciekawy i dający się lubić facet.
Autor, Doug Brod, wykonał świetną robotę. Widać, że włożył w tę biografię sporo dziennikarskiej pracy i nie poprzestał na laurce. Opisał LaVeya z dystansem, humorem i ironią. W efekcie powstała książka rzetelna, zabawna, dziwaczna i niepokojąca zarazem — ale przede wszystkim wciągająca.
Ja bawiłem się przy niej przednio, mimo tego złowieszczego spojrzenia z okładki. Serdecznie polecam!
Wyłania się z niej postać skomplikowana, wielowymiarowa — równie przerażająca, co fascynująca. Inteligentna, cyniczna, błyskotliwa, potrafiąca wykorzystać okazję. Diabeł LaVeya jest tu raczej jasełkowy; więcej w nim marketingu i popkulturowej kontrkultury niż prawdziwego zła. W końcu trudno wierzyć, że założyciel Kościoła Szatana naprawdę uznawał istnienie rogatego demona — nawet jeśli lubił przebierać się za niego podczas symbolicznych rytuałów.
Najciekawszy jest rozdział, w którym bohatera dopada zwykłe życie: problemy rodzinne, codzienne kłopoty, rozczarowania. Wtedy ten „wcielony diabeł” staje się zaskakująco ludzki — i przez to nawet sympatyczny.
Warto też docenić wątki pokazujące, jak LaVey spotykał się i oddziaływał na ówczesną kulturę — oraz ilu znanych ludzi darzyło go sympatią. Po lekturze można odnieść wrażenie, że był to mroczny, ale naprawdę ciekawy i dający się lubić facet.
Autor, Doug Brod, wykonał świetną robotę. Widać, że włożył w tę biografię sporo dziennikarskiej pracy i nie poprzestał na laurce. Opisał LaVeya z dystansem, humorem i ironią. W efekcie powstała książka rzetelna, zabawna, dziwaczna i niepokojąca zarazem — ale przede wszystkim wciągająca.
Ja bawiłem się przy niej przednio, mimo tego złowieszczego spojrzenia z okładki. Serdecznie polecam!
September 3, 2025
I have given this book a high rating and I own a copy, would I read it again, probably not. This is no slam against the writing or author in any way, just the subject matter "Mr Lavey" leaves you cold. The Experct Showman and consummate huxter, after reading about his life, I found that to quote Gertrude Stein, There's no there there."
I hoped for some trace of humanity or fun in LaVey, but his whole exercise seemed pointless and kind of sad. I thought he was kind of a dick at the end of it, and not really anyone I would want to hang around.
I have read over the years the book Lavey and his daughter have written and I've read lot's of articles, if you have like me read much about him, there won't be too much that is a suprise or a revelation here. The book is though a good summary and "one stop shop" for the topic of "The Church of Satan" created by Lavey (Not to be confused with other branches and groups as there are many) but not exhaustively so, mainly concerning itself with Lavey. Worth owning, A good one time read, but it's not really a "good" read if you understand my meaning.
I hoped for some trace of humanity or fun in LaVey, but his whole exercise seemed pointless and kind of sad. I thought he was kind of a dick at the end of it, and not really anyone I would want to hang around.
I have read over the years the book Lavey and his daughter have written and I've read lot's of articles, if you have like me read much about him, there won't be too much that is a suprise or a revelation here. The book is though a good summary and "one stop shop" for the topic of "The Church of Satan" created by Lavey (Not to be confused with other branches and groups as there are many) but not exhaustively so, mainly concerning itself with Lavey. Worth owning, A good one time read, but it's not really a "good" read if you understand my meaning.
October 18, 2024
I genuinely thought this book would be a fun read, but it was sad. I fully expected for him to be exposed as a charlatan-- it would have been shocking if he’d been a true believer. But in the process of becoming Anton LaVey, he pretty much erased Howard Stanton Levey. Almost nothing is known about his life before he changed his name, because he lied so habitually about everything it was impossible to know what was true.
The only thing we know for sure is that he could play the organ. What he almost certainly didn’t do is date Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. As an old man, he pretty much admitted that he created the church to make a little money and meet interesting people. Heck, he could have done that in a lot of other professions. But I guess he wouldn’t have gotten a movie credit on The Devil’s Rain. My favorite part of the book was an anecdote about William Shatner on the set of that movie. It may be apocryphal, but it made me laugh.
July 26, 2025
The really good thing about this book is that it is neither pro nor anti-Lavey. it is a homest book about the life of a person who was really a charlatan in all regards. The book does not hide any of those facts.
The thing is that this book is excruciatingly boring to read. You're not going to get much wisdom here or anything that will expand your understanding of anything other that some of the hijinls this self professed Satanist was up to promoting his church.
The most interesting thing about Lavey was his lion that he owned for a short period. He also messed around with some Hollywood floozy and some other celebrities here and there if you are into that sort of thing, but otherwise, I wouldn't bother with this snoozefest. The dude was just a typical fraud end of the story.
The thing is that this book is excruciatingly boring to read. You're not going to get much wisdom here or anything that will expand your understanding of anything other that some of the hijinls this self professed Satanist was up to promoting his church.
The most interesting thing about Lavey was his lion that he owned for a short period. He also messed around with some Hollywood floozy and some other celebrities here and there if you are into that sort of thing, but otherwise, I wouldn't bother with this snoozefest. The dude was just a typical fraud end of the story.
September 24, 2025
LaVey has always fascinated me from a psychological standpoint. This in-depth look into his life and the church he created is interesting. I was thrown off from the familial side because I couldn't understand why he did certain things. In the narrative version, I felt the emphasis on LaVey's focus on self-entitlement and manipulating things to get what he wanted. His Hollywood cohorts all had the same vibes - gothic, damning, and mysterious. Also, the entire book felt like a drug-induced delusion. He is a legend, and his church paved the way for other sides of satanic practice. Overall, the book is good, and I liked the glimpse into his life. Also, I was not prepared for the theatrics despite all the trigger warnings.
October 10, 2024
Deeply researched and featuring dozens of interviews, as well as recently unearthed personal correspondence, BORN WITH A TAIL: The Devilish Life and Wicked Times of Anton Szandor LaVey, Founder of the Church of Satan separates the facts from the fabrications of this uniquely American character's extraordinary life.
Thank you Hachette Books for sending me a digital ARC of this book! I’m sorry that I’m late reviewing it. I enjoyed reading this book. I thought this book was very interesting to read but I also thought this guy was very strange.
Thank you Hachette Books for sending me a digital ARC of this book! I’m sorry that I’m late reviewing it. I enjoyed reading this book. I thought this book was very interesting to read but I also thought this guy was very strange.
July 19, 2024
This was a well-researched and often very funny book about the founder of the Church of Satan. Anton LaVey, who always looked so intense in photos, comes across as more of a carnival barker than a summoner of demons. With the exception of his leanings toward fascism, LaVey sounds like he would have been a great person to talk to over salad and breadsticks at Olive Garden (read the book to get the reference.)
*ARC provided by Edelweiss+*
*ARC provided by Edelweiss+*
November 12, 2024
I was intrigued by this book. It does take away some of the mystique of LaVey, but that isn't a bad thing. He liked to be known and be around famous people...and apparently Olive Garden. Definitely and illuminating look at a pop culture character of a man.
November 14, 2024
I thought I knew a bit about Anton but this book really filled in a lot of gaps. I thought it was a great biography with lots of details but also unafraid to poke holes in some of LaVey's more outlandish claims. Great stuff.
November 20, 2025
have been a fan of anton and his church since high school so i was definitely interested in the subject matter, i just really wasn’t a fan of the writing style here. loved to learn that anton was a regular at olive garden though
October 28, 2024
i know more about sharon tate than u.... but still slayed
May 10, 2025
A wild biography of a genuine weirdo.
May 26, 2025
There is definitely some interesting stuff in here but I felt like it never fully grabbed my attention. He’s definitely an interesting character but for me this book felt a little bit overstuffed.
August 21, 2025
Quite thorough and funny in its coverage of what could be a very dark topic. I am surprised.
August 27, 2025
A great read!! The author provides a nuanced, witty & balanced interpretation of the life of a misremembered icon. This book rules
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