The Devil: A Visual Guide to the Demonic, Evil, Scurrilous and Bad

NAPRA ReView, Holiday 1996
One must admire and revere the saints, but as the authors of this beautifully presented book assert, It is infinitely more fun to play with the bad guys. That explains this companion/ counterpoint to 1994's Saints: A Visual Almanac of the Virtuous, Pure, Praiseworthy, and Good. The universal obsession with incarnate evil is traced through the centuries in art, literature, legend, and theological history, listing the startling variety of names and forms attributed to this entity, describing the environs and inhabitants of Hell as it has been defined by various authorities, and finally -- reassuringly -- ending with a chapter on Protection. The artwork ranges from fiercely devout paintings by medieval masters to whimsical woodcuts and engravings (the portly St. Dunstan tweaking the devil's nose with hot tongs is irresistible) -- serious fun, a delight to the eyes and the mind.

Star-Ledger, October 1996
Enough with the angel books already. Let's have some devilish fun.

Satan. Lucifer. Beelzebub. Prince of Darkness. Mephistopheles. The Dark Angel. Archfiend. Whatever you call him, he's here. In the book, that is.

The Morgans have put together a playful but fact-filled book on the devil, his world and his minions. And while the writing is a clever delight, the woodcuts, illustrations and paintings are a special treat.

The authors knew full well what they were undertaking when they agreed to take a look at the dark side. After all, they were chaperoned during the writing of this book by a leering, cackling flock of ravens that roosted outside their window.

There's more demonic information than anyone could ever want here, but you'd be a fool to miss out on any of it. There are tidbits on the hordes of demons and damned souls the devil has enticed to do his business, as well as a guided tour through hell.

For those, however, who feel it's too late for them because they've already made a pact with the devil, the Morgans have advice: Once sold, a soul is nearly impossible to redeem. (But if) you are already in the unfortunate position of having made such a bargain and are looking for a way out, see our first book, Saints.

Genevieve Morgan is a writer and editor based in Mill Valley, California.