From the National Book Award-winning and National Book Critics Circle Award-winning author of The Gnostic Gospels comes a dramatic interpretation of Satan and his role on the Christian tradition. "Arresting...brilliant...this book illuminates the angels with which we must wrestle to come to the truth of our bedeviling spritual problems." —The Boston Globe With magisterial learning and the elan of a born storyteller, Pagels turns Satan’s story into an audacious exploration of Christianity’s shadow side, in which the gospel of love gives way to irrational hatreds that continue to haunt Christians and non-Christians alike.

Demonology and Devil Lore is a work on demonology which analyzes how different cultures and religions have interpreted demons and devil along history. The author's survey of myths, folktales, superstitions and rituals across cultures is very methodical. Each topic is thoroughly researched and it is explained how a certain theme is viewed in demonic myths throughout the world. The book is a kind of a treatise on the historical development of the idea of Evil.

INDEX Part I. Demonolatry. Chapter I. Dualism. Chapter II. The Genesis of Demons. Chapter III. Degradation. Chapter IV. The Abgott. Chapter V. Classification. Part II. The Demon. Chapter I. Hunger. Chapter II. Heat. Chapter III. Cold. Chapter IV. Elements. Chapter V. Animals. Chapter VI. Enemies. Chapter VII. Barrenness. Chapter VIII. Obstacles. Chapter IX. Illusion. Chapter X. Darkness. Chapter XI. Disease. Chapter XII. Death. Part III. The Dragon. Chapter I. Decline of Demons. Chapter II. Generalisation of Demons. Chapter III. The Serpent. Chapter IV. The Worm. Chapter V. Apophis. Chapter VI. The Serpent in India. Chapter VII. The Basilisk. Chapter VIII. The Dragon’s Eye. Chapter IX. The Combat. Chapter X. The Dragon-slayer. Chapter XI. The Dragon’s Breath. Chapter XII. Fate. Part IV. The Devil. Chapter I. Diabolism. Chapter II. The Second Best. Chapter III. Ahriman: The Divine Devil. Chapter IV. Viswámitra: The Theocratic Devil. Chapter V. Elohim and Jehovah. Chapter VI. The Consuming Fire. Chapter VII. Paradise and the Serpent. Chapter VIII. Eve. Chapter IX. Lilith. Chapter X. War in Heaven. Chapter XI. War on Earth. Chapter XII. Strife. Chapter XIII. Barbaric Aristocracy. Chapter XIV. Job and the Divider. Chapter XV. Satan. Chapter XVI. Religious Despotism. Chapter XVII. The Prince of this World. Chapter XVIII. Trial of the Great. Chapter XIX. The Man of Sin. Chapter XX. The Holy Ghost. Chapter XXI. Antichrist. Chapter XXII. The Pride of Life. Chapter XXIII. The Curse on Knowledge. Chapter XXIV. Witchcraft. Chapter XXV. Faust and Mephistopheles. Chapter XXVI. The Wild Huntsman. Chapter XXVII. Le Bon Diable. Chapter XXVIII. Animalism. Chapter XXIX. Thoughts and Interpretations.

A two-volume work, first published in 1879, examining the origins and decline of belief in demons across the world.

Of all the myths which have come down to us from the East, and of all the creations of Western fancy and belief, the Personality of Evil has had the strongest attraction for the mind of man. The Devil is the greatest enigma that has ever confronted the human intelligence. So large a place has Satan taken in our imagination, and we might also say in our heart, that his expulsion therefrom, no matter what philosophy may teach us, must for ever remain an impossibility.

Book 1: Explore the sharp wit and satirical brilliance of “The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce.” Ambrose Bierce, known for his biting humor and keen observations, provides a collection of cynical and humorous definitions that serve as a satirical commentary on various aspects of society. Bierce's Devil's Dictionary is a literary gem that challenges conventional thinking with its wit and clever wordplay. Book 2: Dive into the psychological complexities and societal critiques of “The Possessed (The Devils) by Fyodor Dostoyevsky.” Fyodor Dostoyevsky's novel delves into the lives of characters grappling with political and ideological turmoil. This profound work explores the destructive forces of radicalism and the impact of societal upheaval on individuals, making it a compelling exploration of human nature and society. Book 3: Unravel the mysteries surrounding demonology and folklore with “Demonology and Devil-lore by Moncure Daniel Conway.” Moncure Daniel Conway delves into the historical, cultural, and religious aspects of demonology. This comprehensive work explores the various manifestations of the devil across different cultures and periods, offering readers an insightful journey into the realms of superstition, belief, and folklore.