This is definitely the most unusual book I have read about Marilyn Manson, rather than looking at the group's exploits, it takes a very indepth look at what makes MM tick. All of his early influences and heroes are looked at with an excellent and informative manner. However this is not a autobiography by any means. It does exactly what the title says, dissects him and many other people in the music scene. This is a book for Manson fans who have read all the usual stuff, and want to dig a little deeper, it clearly explains his ideas and points of view on his music and what he is trying to express. The bands message sometimes gets lost in the excitement of there performances, and this book helps you to see some of the things you may have missed or misinterpreted first time around, the book can be slightly hard going, but perservere and its still a satisfying read.

I have read more than my fair share of interviews and editorials on this artist; it is a must for anyone tired of them, hungary for more, or simply curious. Essentially devoid of meaningless non-commital banter, the author manages to address nearly every subject parralel and adjacent to the band's life and leader. It was such an intriguing read that I still think about it whenever any aspect of the artist comes up in daily life. In fact, for the purpose of journalistic study, I try to make time to read over it again.

The book dissecting Marilyn Manson has a lot of information for the man himself Marilyn Manson with the help of Gavin Baddeley and other the book takes on a life of its own with vivid pictures I find something new in it every time I read the book.

This book was SOO much shorter than what i was expecting but that's ok. They seemed to really focus on the things that i would like to know or thought i would've never found out. For instance the book says that manson is a huge fan of the director of monty python and little lidbits like that that i find interesting, maybe you will to.

I wonder if the Secret Chiefs are sitting back, having a brandy and smiling on yet another great link in the Magickal chain that binds the universe together. As I sit in my dingy apartment thinking more often than not that all men and women may not be Stars, Brian, excuse me, Marilyn certainly is. If I had my hair and half the guts, I might just be an opening act in the carnival under the infinite breast of Nuit. I don't own a single record (but I love the cover of Down in the Park) yet I can't help but feel Marilyn's presence makes the world a better place. To him and Frater P, Nietzsche, Kafka, Wilhelm Reich, Regardie, Aiwass, Beethoven to the Misifts, Bauhaus, Rudimentary Peni, etc, etc, etc - thank you - let's hope, someday, our time will come...

This has got to be one of the best reads I have ever laid eyes on... go ahead, buy a copy, manson fan or not, your bound to find something in here that will relate to you!

Excellent Book! wish I could write like this!

I first read this book about 4 years ago, I remember loving it then and reading it about 3 times back to back, feeling satisfied. I don't support all his opinions, but that's not what this review is about. About 3 months ago, I bought one of my friends who is a Marilyn Manson fan this book, and I ended up borrowing it from her and reading it again, to see if I still felt the same way after the initial "manson craze," had died off. It was still an excellent read and I read it in the same 2 day period as before, laughing at his childhood antics, sense of humor, and various inner thoughts. This is still one of the best books I've ever read. (Not because I don't read either!) I would recommend this to anyone, who isn't afraid to let go of their tight grip on a supposed reality, relax, and enjoy a unique book. It's a good one.

One doesn't think that rockstars have hard lives, have opinions and thoughts and feelings. This book brought Brian Warner, AKA Marilyn Manson to life. He discussed his childhood, his teen years, and his transformation from Brian Warner to his new identity of Marilyn Manson. I read the book before I understood the music, and it helped alot to understand exactly where he's coming from. I would recomend it more to the parents of kids who listen to manson, because it totally changed my mother's mind about him.

The Long Hard Road Out of Hell gives an insight onto the man known as Marilyn Manson (aka Brian Warner). He describes his childhood as being somewhat oppresive and guided by fear; fear of God, fear of eternal suffering, fear of rock and roll, or so his Catholic teachers taught. He realized the things THEY had considered evil, he found fascinating. And thus began his life as we know it. It is a must read for any one, fan or not as he dispels many of the rumors that have circulated about him. I highly urge Christians and non-Christians alike to read this book as he is very informative and very intelligent. He may even surprise and shock you, but, isn't that what Marilyn Manson is about anyway??

If ya liked Marylin Manson, you loved this book ! IT RULEZ

Regardless of whether you like Marilyn Manson or not, if you want a well-researched, factual, and entertaining account of what he's all about, then buy this book. Any fan should have it, and anyone who wants to spout on about him should read it first. This book is very good.

I think that Marilyn Manson is the best thing that has ever came out of music he is i don't know how some ppl can sit and judge somebody they don't know and don't take the time to know, it just makes me really mad cause Mr.Manson has been everything to me he has saved my life he just makes ppl feel good that they are themselfs and lets them know that you don't have to listen to what other ppl think about you now tell me why hate a person when they do things like that for other ppl? their is no reason right?

The best book I have ever read in my life. I don't understand how a person could go through all that and still go on with his life... I always tell people that diss manson to at least read his book once. and than tell me what they think... I love this man and his book!!!!

The long hard road out of hell.

-Sher

Though not the actual autobiography of Marilyn Manson this book gives you a good idea of what he went thtough as a child and the circumstances that created Marilyn Manson as we know him today. Though I had a lot of Ill will tward him before, now that I have read the book I see the kinder side of him. It's a good read at a great price.

A wonderful book on one of the world's biggest rock stars- from childhood to stardom. If you're a Manson fan, you MUST read this book!

Not the most informative or original piece on Marilyn, but to get a small taste of what he is about, it's a well written story. A little out-dated when it comes to the band's roots and stories. A wonderful book, I guess, for a new MM fan, or an unknowledgable MM hater. A lot of stereo-typical Manson stuff, and a little too much emphasis on their relations with NIN's frontman, Trent Reznor instead of the band itself. Cute band stories, cute band photos, cute book all together.

This book very well could have gotten a "10", but I don't believe anything is perfect. There are totally awesome pictures of Marilyn, Twiggy, Madonna, Ginger and Daisy. The pictures are both casual and on-stage. There are quite a few INDESCRIBEABLY wonderful close-up face shots of Marilyn too! If you are a die-hard Manson fan, the information will be, for the most part, the same old thing- I knew everything the book said about the band- But just having all those pictures is worth it. There are pictures in there that aren't even on the NET! My book was given to me as a gift, but there is no doubt that if given the chance, I would have bought it for myself

This book is perfect for someone who wants to get in on what Manson's about. Also hardcore fans should have it. It tells the story of the band from the early days and sets the story straight. Its also really enjoyable to read. The author did an excellent job.

Don't misunderstand me- I really have an affinity toward LaVey and the glories he stands for- happiness, individualism, and nonconformity paired with strength, power, and ethics, but, please, alow me to explain, as objectively as possible, the reason why I felt this book only merited the paltry three stars I assigned to it. First of all, there just isn't much applicable material contained withing its covers. Its not a practical guide to Satanism; the books only redeeming essays are the first one, and perhaps "The Good Old Days," which does manage much insight on the follies of human misconception and misinterpretation. However, those searching for LaVey's best are advised to read the Satanic Bible, The Devil's Notebook, and also The Satanic Witch. Therein you will find all the positive, wonderful info you need. I would only recomend this book to those who are true Satanists and wish to know what their founder thought. Otherwise, I recomend the aforementioned. Thank you for reading this, I hope I've assisted you in some way- if your a Satanist. Hail Satan!

Anton Szandor LaVey, author/compiler of "The Satanic Bible" and founder of the notorious Church of Satan, certainly had a unique position in late 20th century culture. "Satan Speaks!", published after his death, represents the final testament of this demonic prophet. Whether or not you are a Satanist, you just might find this book to be an interesting, provocative, and even enjoyable read.

A collection of short essays, "Satan Speaks!" varies in quality. Some of the selections strike me as underdeveloped, self-indulgent rants: I refer particularly to "Child Abuse," "Some Professionals and a Poem," and others. But even some of these grouchy tirades have appealing flashes of dark humor; try "Don't Bathe," LaVey's celebration of body odor.

And the best of these essays range from delightful exercises in creative misanthropy to truly thought-provoking analyses of popular culture. LaVey speculates on the connections between the Jew and the Satanist in "A Plan," discusses the potential of "The Witch's Shoe as Weaponry" in the essay of that title, and issues a fascinating manifesto for Satanic cultural activism in "The Horns of a Dilemma."

And throughout the book one can find marvelously quotable aphorisms from the man known as the Black Pope. Examples: "Is it coincidence that the most important word to a Satanist is 'Why?'" (from "The Third Side"); "Did Charlie Chaplin have a Hitler moustache, or vice versa?" (from "The Jewish Question"); or "Don't bomb abortion clinics unless you happen to need one, and they won't take you" (from "My Enemy").

"Traditional" religionists and other more "proper" folk may cringe at LaVey's writings, but to the adventurous reader, "Satan Speaks!" is a deliciously stocked candy store. Was this truly LaVey's final testament, or are there hidden demonic manuscripts of his waiting to be unleashed upon a trembling world? Stay tuned!

This is the kind of book you could basically get killed for reading, yet it contains the wisdom of probably ten or more ordinary books rolled into one. Anton Szandor LaVey was a truly unique guy, and in this book, he not only talks about his views on religion but his views on a very wide range of subjects. He definitely has a biting wit and a great sense of humor. He also had much more common sense than the average bear. I read somewhere that the Pope once denounced him as "the wickedest man in the world". The world lost a lot when it lost Anton LaVey, but at least some of his thoughts have been preserved for those willing to take a second (or third) look at things.