Arthur Lyons (1) (1946–2008)

Not sure why the first reviewer (who admits he hasn't read the book in over two decades) gave this such a low rating. Satan Wants You is a fairly straightforward sociological and historical study of Satanism, written by a professional academic consultant. I studied this text as a part of a social problems course on high school cliques and found it quite informative and enjoyable to read. The prose is very accessible, yet the tone is scholarly and occasionally funny/sarcastic.

Beyond contemporary Satanism, Lyons explores the development of the occult since its inception and various related cultural phenomena (heavy metal music, social alienation), all with a healthy amount of skepticism.

There is no "sensationalism" presented in this book other than the accounts of the hysterical and mostly false reports of ritual abuse in the 1980s, which Lyons thoroughly debunks and lays bare. The author suggests that the 1980s ritual scares were a reaction (a "new kind of McCarthyism") inspired by evolving counter-cultural trends. Religious fanatics saw Satanist conspiracies everywhere, and the press ate it up.

This isn't a book written only for occultists or Christian fundamentalists, as so many are. It is a great text for someone interested in learning more about the concept of Satan and cults inspired by this supernatural figure.… (altro)

The cover of this one grabbed my attention, but the content kept me reading. I've always been a fan of film noir -- those black and white films of the 1940s and 1950s, featuring dark characters and plots, femmes fatale and down-on-their-luck gumshoes, that were cranked out factory-style, but occasionally turned out quite artistically. This book celebrates the second-rate films of this mystery/suspense genre. The first 66 pages of this book give background on the origins and history of Film Noir B movies, and the rest of the book is an encyclopedia of surprisingly detailed film descriptions, covering a ton of worthwhile Noirish films that you've probably never heard of. I think that the best compliment I can pay this book is that it makes me want to hang out on TCM or AMC watching late-night b&w film noir marathons.

Originally reviewed for my local library's website: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/srec/staffrec10-07.htm… (altro)