Born with a Tail

Born with a Tail by Doug Brod is an intriguing and meticulously researched biography that delves into the life of one of the most controversial and enigmatic figures of the 20th century—Anton Szandor LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan. Brod paints a vivid portrait of LaVey, a man who blurred the lines between reality and fabrication, creating a persona that captivated and provoked audiences in equal measure.

Brod begins by tracing LaVey's early life, revealing a man whose flair for the theatrical and fascination with the macabre led him to become a cultural icon. Born Howard Stanton Levey in 1930 Chicago, LaVey's early claims—such as his stint as a circus performer and crime photographer—are dissected with a critical eye, revealing the mix of truth and embellishment that would come to define his public persona. LaVey's rise to fame in San Francisco during the 1960s, just before the Summer of Love, is portrayed as both a masterstroke of self-promotion and a reflection of the era's openness to new ideas, no matter how unconventional.

The book delves deeply into the founding of the Church of Satan, a religious movement that was as much a cultural phenomenon as it was a spiritual path. LaVey's use of ritual, symbolism, and media savvy to create a provocative and marketable image is explored in detail. His infamous The Satanic Bible published in 1969, is examined not just as a religious text but as a cultural artifact that resonated with those on the fringes of society—those who found solace in its message of self-deification and indulgence.

Brod also explores the personal side of LaVey, including his relationships with celebrities like Jayne Mansfield and Sammy Davis Jr., as well as his eccentric lifestyle, which included living in a house that doubled as a temple, complete with a pet lion. These elements of LaVey's life contribute to the book's rich narrative, highlighting the contradictions of a man who was both a serious occultist and a savvy showman.

One of the book's strengths is Brod's ability to separate fact from fiction, a daunting task given LaVey's penchant for myth-making. The author uncovers new details through interviews and unearthed documents, providing a more nuanced understanding of LaVey's life and legacy. However, the book does not shy away from the darker aspects of LaVey's character, including the toll his lifestyle took on his family and the ethical implications of his teachings.

*Born with a Tail* also contextualizes LaVey within the broader cultural and historical landscape. Brod discusses how the societal shifts of the 60s and 70s, as well as the eventual backlash during the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, shaped LaVey's influence and the perception of Satanism in America. This broader perspective adds depth to the biography, making it not just a story about one man, but a reflection on the times in which he lived.

Born with a Tail is a fascinating and well-crafted biography that offers a comprehensive look at the life of Anton LaVey. Doug Brod's balanced approach—combining critical analysis with an understanding of LaVey's cultural impact—makes this book a must-read for those interested in the occult, pop culture history, or the complex interplay between myth and reality. Whether you view LaVey as a visionary, a charlatan, or something in between, this book provides the context needed to understand his place in American history.