The biggest ruse of the devil is making us believe that he doesn't exist; claimed Baudelaire. On the contrary; argues bestselling French historian and critic Gerald Messadie; it is devilish that we believe in him at all.A History of the Devil is a vivacious and provocative exploration of the personification of evil through the ages and across cultures. Messadie reveals that our Satan -- the antithesis of God and good -- was a concept unknown to the Greeks; Romans; Egyptians; Hindus; and Chinese. In fact; the devil was probably invented six centuries before the Common Era by Persian clergy eager to aid their political allies. Ever since; the image of evil has been a useful tool of the powerful; from the proponents of the Spanish Inquisition to the Cold Warriors of our own time. Meticulously researched and eloquently argued; this unorthodox history of religion from its seamy underside explores a fascinating and diverse strand of cultures everywhere.
#1244921 in Books Elephant Paperbacks by Ivan R. Dee; Publisher 1993 1992-11-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.73 x .54 x 5.57l; .51 #File Name: 1566630207192 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy abdullah faaruuq A Valuable ToolA sad but true accounting of one of humanity's darkest chapters in history; academically sound.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Everyone should read this book!By Gamer40technerdWell written compact book about all of the different players in the Atlantic Slave trade. This book is well thought out and organized for easy reading with lots of facts.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. By far the best book on the subject I have readBy BubbaI have read numerous books on slavery and this small book is a classic and by far the best I have read. I would like to meet the author one day.
