The Political History of the Devil – Daniel Defoe

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Dive into Daniel Defoe’s provocative 1726 masterpiece, The Political History of the Devil, a daring blend of satire, theology, and historical analysis from the celebrated author of Robinson Crusoe. This groundbreaking work explores the Devil’s role as a political and social force, tracing his influence from biblical times to the Enlightenment era.

EAN: 9789358587548

Description

Defoe, with his trademark wit and irreverence, critiques the Catholic Church, blames Satan for historical upheavals like the Crusades, and even attributes the infamous “death and taxes” adage to the Devil’s machinations.

Divided into two parts, the book first chronicles Satan’s fall and his impact on humanity, from Adam to the rise of Christianity. The second part examines his “private conduct” in Defoe’s contemporary world, where the Devil shifts from supernatural witchcraft to manipulating politics, society, and even everyday folly. A banned text by the Roman Catholic Church and referenced in George Eliot’s The Mill on the Floss, this work offers a vivid glimpse into 18th-century anti-Catholic sentiment and Enlightenment debates on reason versus superstition.

Perfect for lovers of classic literature, occult philosophy, or historical satire, this book challenges readers to reconsider evil’s enduring legacy—and Defoe’s genius in framing it as a mirror to human ambition and hypocrisy.