Mephistopheles: The Devil in the Modern World [Paperback]

Jeffrey Burton Russell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This volume completes Russell's history of the concept of the Devil from antiquity to the present. (The series includes The Devil, Cornell, 1977; Satan, LJ 10/15/81; and Lucifer , LJ 11/15/84.) The concept, fragmented somewhat by the Reformation and even more by the rise of rationalism, became in the 19th century a powerful symbol of rebellion against aristocracy and "an ironic metaphor of the corruption and foolishness of humanity." In the 20th century genocide has made the Devil theologically and philosophically an issue. Russell largely succeeds in being the objective historian who carefully pursues the persistence of this concept in popular culture, art, literature, philosophy, and theology. An excellent and important intellectual history. Carolyn M. Craft, English, Philosophy, & Modern Language Dept., Longwood Coll., Farmville, Va.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Cornell University Press (March 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801497183
• ISBN-13: 978-0801497186
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #216,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating history of the devil in modern thought!, May 29, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Mephistopheles: The Devil in the Modern World (Paperback)

A very thorough, well-written examination of how Satan and evil have been
viewed since the Reformation. Russell takes a historian's stance to examine
a subject both controversial and mystifying at best. No stone is left unturned
as he looks at how the devil is viewed by church officials, commonfolk,
and intelligentsia,and how these views are reflected in the artwork and pop-culture
of those times. This work manages at once to be intellectual and an easy read,
thorough and engrossing. A must for anyone fascinated by the forces that have shaped Christian thought.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Final Book of the Archfiend, April 5, 2005

By 

Matthew S. Schweitzer "zohoe" (Columbus, OH United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mephistopheles: The Devil in the Modern World (Paperback)

"Mephistopheles" is the fourth and final volume in Jeffery Russell's excellent series on the history and myth of the Devil. Here Russell examines the contemporary beliefs and myths of the Dark Lord in detail, from the Renaissance to the present day. Russell explorers not only traditional Christian views on the Devil, but also his incarnations in Islam, Judaism, and others.

The idea of the Devil, the very personification of evil, has changed much since the early days of Judaism and Christianity. By the dawn of the Renaissance, the Devil had undergone a kind of "rebirth" himself. Though the onset of the early modern era had seen the beginnings of science and reason, superstition and religious persecution was at an all time high. Russell examines the role of the Devil in the Reformation and during the height of the Witch Craze. Though they differed on many points of theology, Catholics and Protestants definately agreed that Satan continued to be a very real and very dangerous foe. Russell continues his story into the Enlightenment and the Age of Reason, which saw the Devil lose his teeth, followed by his romanticization in the 19th century as a rebellious anti-hero.

Though still feared by the credulous and railed against in the pulpits by evangelicals, Satan has largely been reduced to a shadow of his former self, an advertising ploy whose imagery is used to sell everything from deviled ham to movie tickets. Russell's books are generally considered the standard modern work on the history and myth of the Devil, and this volume examplifies why this is so. Well worth checking out.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still Doing That Old Black Magic That He Does So Well, June 6, 2006

By 

Brian E. Erland "Rainbow Sphinx" (Brea, CA - USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mephistopheles: The Devil in the Modern World (Paperback)

Jeffrey Burton Russell completes the journey from ancient antiquity to the present with "Old Horny" still up to his same old tricks in a variety of new guises and misdirections.

In 'Mephistopheles: The Devil in the Modern World' Russell paints on a broad canvas pointing out the immense scale of diabolical infusion within the modern day 20th century landscape. No facet of life is devoid of his demonic image and influence; art, music, fashion, advertisin, politics. He's everywhere.

A grand conclusion to a monumental amount of research!