At first I was unimpressed with TSB50. I was bothered by the use of the title, the mostly repeated information from Dr. Aquino's other books, etc. But after thinking on the subject I have changed my view.
TSB50 is the complete magnum opus of Dr. Aquino, his Great Work. It is his most important religious works, ideas, arguments, anecdotes, etc. It fully explains his world view without having to grab ToS, CoS, MindWar/Star/Find Far, etc and compile the info. And as always, it is the same level of genius one has come to expect. I honestly almost wish I'd waited for TSB50 instead of reading his non-fiction as it came out
As for the title, I have no problem anymore. LaVey's TSB, as inspiring as it's been, was 1/2 plagerism and 1/2 random articles compiled simply to produce a book. It hasn't been adjusted or update, remaining a book of an organizations beginning, but not accounting for discoveries since then. Further, it is a work supported by LaVey's family, which matters far more here than what the CoS thinks about it. There's something beautiful about Dr. Aquino's great work returning to his Satanic Roots, and it's inspired the Satanist in me once more. Besides, as Aquino provides from LaVey himself in a recognition letter, who better to update and rebirth Satanism than his Right Hand Man?
In the end TSB50 may not he necessary if you've kept up with Aquino. All the same it is his Magnum Opus and that alone makes it worth having. It's also nice to have a Satanic Bible to put out which creates an air of respect and true wonder. But if you haven't read Aquino or about Satanism, this is a must have. Great work!
