Satanic Panic; The Creation of a Contemporary Legend

by Jeffrey S. Victor

Overview

"Sociologist Victor began his involvement with satanic-cult phenomena by investigating a local panic centered in southwestern New York state. After an introductory section, his book begins with a description of this research, then proceeds with an excellent general review of recent fear about satanic cults in the U.S. He concludes that there is no evidence for the actual existence of organized satanic cults". -- Choice

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780812691924
Publisher:	Open Court Publishing Company
Publication date:	04/28/1993
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	436
Sales rank:	916,179
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.97(d)

Editorial Reviews

Victor relies heavily upon the theories of social behavior and urban legends to explore and explain the ``rumors, claims, and allegations'' about Satanic cult crime in American society. Helpfully, he uses a language that renders the theories understandable to the lay reader, thus clearing away the psychological and linguistic smoke screen that usually accompanies the idea of Satanism. Along with his clear, well-researched analysis, Victor ( Human Sexuality , 1980) provides the reader with several appendixes, including an excellent bibliography and names and addresses of professionals who can be contacted for help. Parents, school administrators, police, and psychotherapists will find this a valuable tool as they investigate the underlying motivations of the Satanic panic in America. It should be made available to balance the one-sided, hysteria-driven production of books created by Satanic ``experts'' and ``survivors.''-- John B. Wright, Brigham Young Univ . , Provo, Utah

Library Journal

A rational view of evidence for the existence of witches and other boogies. (The mindless folk do need some excitement with all the commies swept from under our beds--and their rousers need the cash offerings.) Published by Open Court Publishing Co., 332 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60604-9968. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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