Subject
Devil -- Fiction Books
Best books
Marie Corelli
The Sorrows of Satan or, The Strange Experience of One Geoffrey Tempest, Millionaire: A Romance
"The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli is a Faustian novel published in 1895. Geoffrey Tempest, a starving author, suddenly inherits a fortune and befriends the charismatic aristocrat Lucio—who is actually the Devil in disguise. As Tempest's wealth brings only misery, the novel explores Satan's own yearning for salvation and redemption. This controversial bestseller critiques Victorian society's moral bankruptcy while mixing Christian themes with popular ideas like reincarnation and Theosophy. Despite savage criticism from literary circles, it became one of the world's first bestsellers.
Unknown
Devil Stories: An Anthology
"Devil Stories: An Anthology" by Maximilian J. Rudwin is a collection of tales centered around the figure of the Devil, likely written in the early 20th century. This anthology brings together a variety of stories that explore different interpretations and representations of the Devil in literature, showcasing both the humorous and horrifying aspects of his character. Each tale delves into the relationship between humanity and evil, reflecting on moral dilemmas and the consequences of one's choices. The opening of the anthology presents a comprehensive introduction that sets the stage for understanding the significance of the Devil in literature. It discusses the enduring fascination with the figure of Satan throughout history, highlighting how the archetype has evolved from a medieval antagonist to a multifaceted character in modern narratives. The included stories draw from diverse cultural backgrounds and time periods, demonstrating the universal theme of temptation and moral conflict inherent in dealings with the Devil. Additionally, the specific selections such as "The Devil in a Nunnery" and "The Devil and Tom Walker" promise a mix of adventure, satire, and moral lessons, giving readers a taste of the rich tapestry of devilish tales that follow.
Alain René Le Sage
Asmodeus; or, The Devil on Two Sticks
"Asmodeus; or, The Devil on Two Sticks" by Alain René Le Sage is a novel first published in 1707. When a young Spanish aristocrat frees the demon Asmodeus from imprisonment in a bottle, the grateful devil repays him with supernatural assistance. Together they embark on pranks and adventures through Madrid, with Asmodeus granting his rescuer the power of flight and the ability to see through rooftops into people's private lives. The novel features thinly-veiled portraits of Parisian celebrities that caused immediate scandal and recognition.
Luis Vélez de Guevara
El Diablo Cojuelo
"El Diablo Cojuelo" by Luis Vélez de Guevara is a satirical novel published in 1641. A student frees a devil trapped in a bottle, and the grateful demon rewards him by lifting the roofs off houses across Spanish society, revealing people's true natures and hidden vices. Through ten episodes of airborne leaps from place to place, the work offers a biting moral critique of seventeenth-century social classes and customs, written in the elaborate conceptista style characteristic of Spanish Baroque literature.
Mark Twain
The Mysterious Stranger: A Romance
"The Mysterious Stranger: A Romance" by Mark Twain is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against a historical backdrop in Austria during the late Middle Ages and follows the lives of children growing up in a quaint village, where they encounter philosophical themes surrounding good and evil, existence, and human nature through their interactions with a mysterious and seemingly supernatural stranger. The opening of the tale presents a serene village nestled in a largely forgotten part of Austria, where young characters like Theodor Fischer and his friends enjoy carefree days amidst the picturesque landscape. Their idyllic life is interrupted by the arrival of a captivating stranger who possesses extraordinary powers, intriguing the boys and prompting them to question their understanding of the world. As they explore these new dynamics, key figures like Father Peter and Marget also emerge, indicating deeper narrative threads about authority, superstition, and the human condition. Through this beguiling stranger, the boys begin to confront challenging concepts about morality and the nature of existence, setting the stage for an exploration of profound themes woven throughout the story.
Eden Phillpotts
A Deal with the Devil
"A Deal with the Devil" by Eden Phillpotts is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Daniel Dolphin, a man celebrating his hundredth birthday, who makes a fateful pact with the Devil for an additional ten years of life, promising to grow younger instead of older. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of his granddaughter, Martha, as they grapple with the implications of this peculiar deal. The opening of the novel introduces Daniel Dolphin as a flawed but lively character reaching a remarkable age. On his birthday, he shares a humorous and unsettling dream featuring the Devil, who offers him a chance to extend his life by ten years in exchange for his soul. As Daniel contemplates this offer, Martha expresses her concern about the sinister consequences that may arise. Following the dream, Daniel discovers a formal agreement that suggests the pact is indeed real, provoking a mix of disbelief and horror for both him and Martha. This initial setup sets the stage for the unfolding chaos of their lives, leading to a blend of dark humor and poignant moments as they navigate the turmoil birthed from the Devil's bargain.
Marie Corelli
The Devil's Motor: A Fantasy
"The Devil's Motor: A Fantasy by Marie Corelli" is a dark, imaginative fantasy written during the late 19th century. This novel explores themes of destruction and the consequences of human desire through a vivid and allegorical narrative. The story portrays a chaotic world led by a demonic figure, symbolizing the vices of modernity and the pursuit of materialism. In the book, the protagonist is a sinister entity driving a colossal car through a desolate landscape, which symbolizes the ravages of industrialization and human corruption. This figure, crowned with fire and shrouded in darkness, incites a frenzied rush towards destruction, gathering a multitude of souls that line their desires with greed and selfishness. With vivid imagery, Corelli depicts the collapse of beauty and virtue under the relentless march of progress, ultimately leading to a cataclysmic end. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the loss of spiritual values in the race for worldly gains, culminating in a powerful critique of society’s moral decline.
E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) Hoffmann
The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 2 (of 2)
"The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 2 (of 2)" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novel published in 1815. This Gothic tale follows Medardus, a Capuchin monk who succumbs to temptation after drinking Satan's elixir. His journey spirals into obsession, murder, and madness as he encounters his mysterious doppelgänger and becomes entangled with forbidden love. Blurring reality and dream, Hoffmann probes the darkest depths of the human psyche in this ambiguous narrative that can be read as either a story of fate's cruel manipulation or Christian redemption.
Leonid Andreyev
Satan's Diary
"Satan's Diary" by Leonid Andreyev is a satirical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows Satan, who has taken on the human guise of a wealthy American billionaire named Henry Wondergood, as he embarks on a journey through Europe in search of amusement and adventure. Through this unique lens, the book explores themes of disillusionment, the hypocrisies of humanity, and the often absurd nature of human morals and interactions. At the start of the narrative, Satan reflects on his newfound existence and the loneliness it brings him. Confined to expressing his complex thoughts through the limitations of human language, he grapples with the intricacies of life on Earth alongside his servant, Irwin Toppi. As he contemplates his motives for coming to Earth, Satan expresses a desire to play, showcasing both his amusement and disdain for humanity's follies. The opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the interactions between good and evil, as well as the paradoxes of existence, particularly as Satan encounters various characters and situations that challenge his understanding of human nature.
Jacques Cazotte
Le diable amoureux
"Le diable amoureux" by Jacques Cazotte is an occult romance published in 1772. When young Spanish nobleman Don Alvaro invokes Satan, the devil falls in love with him and disguises himself as a beautiful woman named Biondetta. As Biondetta attempts to seduce the virtuous Alvaro throughout their journey together, the line between reality and illusion blurs. This pioneering work established the *fantastique* literary style, leaving readers uncertain whether supernatural events truly occurred or existed only in the character's imagination.
E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) Hoffmann
The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 1 (of 2)
"The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 1 (of 2)" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novel published in 1815. A Capuchin monk named Medardus drinks a cursed elixir that once belonged to Saint Anthony, awakening dangerous desires within him. Haunted by a mysterious doppelgänger and ignorant of his own dark family history, he abandons his monastery to pursue forbidden love. His journey spirals into murder, mistaken identities, and madness as fate—or perhaps something more sinister—manipulates his every step.
E. S. (Ethel Smith) Dorrance
Damned : $b the intimate story of a girl
"Damned: The Intimate Story of a Girl" by E. S. Dorrance is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The narrative introduces us to the court of Gehenna, where the focus is on Satan and his courtiers as they navigate the challenges of governing the damned. The story revolves around Dolores Trent, a girl whose existence has brought grief to those around her, and her arrival in this infernal domain sparks intrigue and potential conflict. The opening of the novel sets a darkly whimsical tone, depicting a rather chaotic throne room in Hell where Satan, feeling disappointed with the state of evil on Earth, converses with his courtiers about the failures of their schemes to capture more souls. As the courtiers cower under his ominous presence, they discuss strategies for conscripting humans into eternal damnation. The mood shifts dramatically as Dolores, a girl with a tragic backstory, enters into the scene, prompting both curiosity and disdain from Satan. This chaotic introduction to hellish politics and the impending story of Dolores hints at a blend of satire and tragedy, laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration of morality, judgment, and redemption.
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