The Devil and His Advocates

Name: The Devil and His Advocates
Brand: NewSouth Books
SKU: 9781789143737
Price: 49.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Erik Butler

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3.88

( 17 ratings, 5 reviews)

Summary

The Devil and His Advocates by Erik Butler challenges traditional views by revealing that Satan is not merely God's enemy or the embodiment of evil. Tracing his depiction from the Book of Job through literature, theology, visual art, and music from antiquity to modern times, Butler examines canonical authors like Dante, Milton, and Goethe alongside lesser-known sources. The book portrays Satan as a tester of human moral worth, often facilitating humanity's own inclinations rather than imposing evil, offering a witty and insightful reappraisal of the Devil’s role in cosmic law.
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Format: Hardback

$49⁹⁹

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The Devil and His Advocates

$49⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book will appeal to readers interested in theology, literature, cultural history, and the arts. It suits those seeking a fresh, thoughtful perspective on the figure of Satan beyond popular culture, including students, academics, and curious general readers.

An exploration of the Devil through art, literature, theology and music.

Description

Satan is not God's enemy in the Bible, and he's not always bad—much less evil.

Through the lens of the Old and New Testaments, Erik Butler explores the Devil through literature, theology, visual art, and music from antiquity up to the present, discussing canonical authors such as Dante, Milton, and Goethe, along with a wealth of lesser-known sources.

Since his first appearance in the Book of Job, Satan has pursued a single objective: to test human beings, whose moral worth and piety leave plenty of room for doubt. Satan can be manipulative, but at worst he facilitates what mortals are inclined to do anyway. The Devil and His Advocates explains why, with wit and surprising examples. 'The Devil made me do it' does not hold up in the court of cosmic law.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Publishers Weekly praises Butler's exploration of the devil across disciplines and historical periods. Fortean Times calls the book a "scholarly tour-de-force" citing its wide range of influential thinkers and artists, and highlights that despite its heavy material, it remains "a hellish good read." Reviews commend Butler's erudition and engaging writing style, guiding readers through complex Christian philosophy and cultural depictions with intelligence and flair.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789143737

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 15 March 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Reaktion Books

Illustration: 29 illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 208.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 272

Collections

Arts & Culture Erik Butler History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction Religion & Spirituality

About the Author

Erik Butler is a researcher at the Yale School of Drama. He has translated many works of European literature and has written three books, including The Rise of the Vampire (also published by Reaktion).

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