Demonology [Paperback]

King James I. (Author), Paul Tice (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2002

Although he did not know it at the time, the author of this book, King James, was to become one of the most influential people in mankind's religious history. He was responsible for the widely accepted King James Bible, based in part on the beliefs set forth in this book. Written directly by his own hand, it is shown that he believed himself to be an instrument of God. He believed in Satan and that his mission was to seek out and kill "witches" (the Devil's ministers). He was convinced that they had tried to cast spells and kill him on numerous occasions. This book provides the reader with an interesting psychological profile of this man -- revealing his mindset and the tactics used to hold sway over his people.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This text, from 1597, appears in the original old English so that its complete accuracy is preserved. An important historical book that reveals the effects of superstition (toward "witches") on an entire religion.

About the Author

Interesting and somewhat critical short bio of King James appears in book's Introduction.

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Book Tree (October 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585096660
• ISBN-13: 978-1585096664
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #819,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting historical document, appalling introduction, November 20, 2006

By 

Mary B (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Demonology (Paperback)

"Demonology" was written by King James I of England (formerly King James VI of Scotland) to defend his belief in the power of witches (and thereby justify their torture and execution). It's valuable as a historical record of a particular time and mindset, and could have benefitted from an introduction written by someone with knowledge of the historical context. What it has is an introduction written by someone who needs to re-take high school world history. Never mind that he doesn't know what Old English actually was (hint: "Demonology" is not written in it); he also confuses Mary Stuart (mother of King James) with Mary Tudor, referring to her as "Bloody Mary." (He also apparently thinks that Mary Stuart was the Queen of England.) Buy the book, but if you're new to the study of this period, don't believe anything written in the introduction.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Difficult Read, but Rather Interesting, November 18, 2006

By 

M. Buck (Brooklyn, N.Y. United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Demonology (Paperback)

This printing of the King James "Demonology" consists of four main parts: Demonology Books 1-3, and News From Scotland. The entire book is written on old-english. It takes geting used to the old spelling of nearly every word, but once you figure out what is being said, the book is rather interesting.

Demonology Books 1-3 are in a conversation format between two individuals: Philomathes and Epistemon. In these three books, Epistemon answers Philomathes questions regarding his odd and rather strict views on Magic, Sorcery, Witches, Demons, and mainly Satan. It's interesting to learn how people in the 1500's thought back then--many things in entertainment, educational, and medical fields which we see today that we consider normal were considered the work of the Devil back when this book was originally written. Epistemon comes accross and single-mindedly arrogant, but interesting, nonetheless.

The final part of the book the News from Scotland which is about how a handful of women and a doctor were tried, tortured, and some executed for the belief and fear that these individuals were witches--which, back then, anyone who did anything out of the norm was considered a witch (all witches were considered the Devil's deciples during that time).

The first three books tells us what they thought of Satan, witches, ghosts, and demons during the 1500's and the last part shows us an example of what they did when they thought someone was a witch and how far they went to rid themselves of these individuals. This is a very interesting, educational, however very difficult read as it is in old english--spelling was rather different to how we spell things today. Once you get used to the spelling (which you may never do--some words are spelled so far off as to what we spell them now; and some words have multiple spellings--which makes it even more difficult to figure out). A very good, but rather difficult read.

5 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A long ago purchase, August 5, 2008

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Miquiztli (California, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Demonology (Paperback)

I bought this a long time ago. I don't know what I was thinking. The book sucks. Religious propaganda. If you're interested or just fascinated by the dark side this book is written by religious fanatic. I personally do not believe that beings, entities, creatures, demons or what ever they might be are evil just because they are from the dark. We are all equal. All know good and are all capable of evil. Religion is brainwashing.