The Satanists (1970) by Peter Haining is a provocative and sensational exploration of occult history, witchcraft, and alleged Satanic practices across different cultures and eras. As an anthology of dark folklore, historical accounts, and lurid anecdotes, the book delves into infamous figures like Aleister Crowley, Gilles de Rais, and the Hellfire Club, while examining rituals, black masses, and demonology with a mix of journalistic flair and pulp intrigue.
Haining—a prolific editor of horror and occult-themed collections—presents these tales with a blend of skepticism and sensationalism, capturing the 1970s’ growing fascination with the occult. The book reflects the era’s countercultural obsession with the macabre, serving as both a cautionary compilation and a guilty pleasure for readers drawn to the shadowy intersections of religion, superstition, and forbidden rites.
A period piece of occult literature, The Satanists offers a chilling, if sometimes credulous, tour through humanity’s darkest spiritual obsessions.
“Evil is as old as man himself—and just as persistent.” —Haining’s ominous thesis, wrapped in vintage horror paperback allure.
