The Medieval Devil: A Reader (Readings in Medieval Civilizations and Cultures)

Review
"The Medieval Devil is a book for our times. From biblical accounts of the devil to narratives of early trials for witchcraft, this brilliantly selected and superbly annotated collection identifies with precision how ideas about the power of the devil evolved across the Christian Middle Ages."　 -- Sarah Ferber, University of Wollongong
"This wide-ranging collection gathers material not just on the devil but also on a host of devils and demons that proliferated in the medieval imagination. Thematic chapters offer varying perspectives on these spirits, as well as related issues like demonic magic, possession and exorcism, and the nature of hell." -- Michael D. Bailey, Iowa State University
"As Raiswell and Winter note, the medieval devil, chronologically bounded by biblical beginnings and the eve of the early modern witch hunts, is a decidedly slippery character. Yet thanks to this invaluable collection of primary sources, each thoughtfully introduced by the editors and followed by questions for discussion, students of demonology, witchcraft, and the medieval world can more firmly grasp the evolution and impact of one of history’s most powerful ideas." -- Michelle D. Brock, Washington and Lee University
"This multifaceted collection of primary sources on the devil and demons provides students with the single most fascinating entry into the medieval world that I have seen. With clear introductions, questions for readers, a helpful bibliography, and captivating illustrations, this volume is a rich and accessible resource for research and teaching." -- Gary K. Waite, University of New Brunswick
The Medieval Devil is a unique collection of primary sources that examines the development of medieval society through the lens of how people perceived the devil. In exploring where and how Europeans discerned his presence, detected his machinations, and sought to counter his actions, readers will be afforded a new and important point of entry into medieval history.
Each chapter begins with an introduction to familiarize readers with critical issues and to contextualize the primary sources against broader developments of the period. Questions for discussion and reflection, twelve black-and-white illustrations, and a short bibliography are included.