What turns a storm into a demon, an old god into an enemy, and fear into a witch hunt?

In Demonology and Devil-Lore, Moncure Daniel Conway follows the devil through myths, customs and religious traditions. His study moves from gods of storm and darkness to evil spirits in Persia, India, Egypt and Hebrew tradition. Serpents, goats and demons of disease reveal how people give fear a shape.

Conway writes as a freethinker with firm opinions, asking where the devil comes from and why cultures need him. He explores Ahriman in the religion of Zoroaster, the Christian story of Satan and hell, and the trials of accused witches. His central argument links these beliefs to human experience.

이 책에서 발견할 것들

• Fear takes a shape Explore Conway's argument that storms, famine, night and disease help shape images of demons.
• Old gods become enemies Follow his account of how defeated faiths leave their gods behind as feared spirits.
• A single face of evil Trace Conway's reading of Persia and Israel in the development of the figure of Satan.
• The cost of belief Confront his argument that belief in devilish pacts feeds the persecution of accused witches.
• Knowledge challenges the darkness Consider his claim that explanations of nature leave less room for demons to act.

이런 분들이 좋아할 거예요

Readers who enjoy comparative mythology, folklore and the history of religion will find rich material here. So will anyone curious about dragons, vampires, witches and Faust.