The History of the Devil and the Idea of Evil: From the Earliest Times to the Present Day

This book was originally published in 1900. Its author, Paul Carus, was a German professor whose liberal ideas about religion offended church authorities in Germany, making it difficult for him to obtain publication there. He came to the United States and published a number of very interesting books on a variety of religious, historical, and philosophical topics. This book is as much a history of comparative religion as it is a history of the devil. We learn a good deal about Eastern religions and their basic doctrines, along with how the concept of evil works in those faiths. While the book takes a far-reaching perspective, it is not comprehensive. Little is said about indigenous African and Native American religions, for example. Dr. Carus is also sensitive to the ways in which the concept of Satan has been used by religious authorities to persecute "witches" and "heretics" and the chapters on these subjects, while understated, were painful to read. In the end, Dr. Carus takes an almost Jungian perspective, seeing evil and its personification in the Devil as a necessary part of human existence. He tends toward monism, suggesting that Satan is a shadow part of God. This book was written prior to the great evils of the Twentieth Century, and it would have been interesting to see how knowledge of say, Hitler's evil might have changed Dr. Carus's analysis or perspective. I found the book highly enjoyable and readable. Particularly interesting are the many compelling illustrations reproduced throughout the book in vivid detail.

I have read many books on the devil over the years, and this is by far the best. It belongs in every library, Christian and Satanist alike!

A wonderfully written and illustrated book takes you through the concept of devil from the ancient egypt to modern times. Paul ideas on the demonology of the christendom will keep you on the edge of your seat. A must buy classic!

Very informative. I am surprized this book is not more popular, it should be. It is packed with information that is surprizing to most readers. Very well researched.

This book isn't exactly your classic bedtime reading. It's a great book, no doubt about that. But the book tells fact after fact after fact. It reads like an encyclopedia, which is why I find it difficult to doubt anything the author is stating. But again, it's a great book if your just wanting the facts. It vary rarely contains personal thoughts and feelings about the subjects. I recommend it for anyone just wanting the facts, then wanting to base their own opinions.