Description
Book SynopsisThis work explores much of the history of Satanism from the origins of the Devil in pre-Christian theology through to the Inquisition and the life and times of Aleister Crowley, the psychology of the people who make the allegations and the legal and religious contexts in which they arise.
Trade Review"A solidly researched, sombre book, well-written, carefully documented and lit throughout by flashes of sardonic humour." -- Jean La Fontaine,author of Speak of the Devil: Tales of Satanic Abuse in Contemporary England
"An indispensable reference for anyone wishing to sort out fact from folklore in the Satanism Scare. In the murky world of claims and counterclaims over the danger of the occult, Medway's patient documentation of verifiable facts is welcome indeed. He makes a convincing case for seeing modern cult-busters as using the same strategies that were notorious during the witch trials of the 1600s." -- Bill Ellis,author of Raising the Devil: Satanism, New Religions, and the Media
"This scholarly, provocative and wide-ranging book is the clearest and wisest yet written on Satanism." -- Ronald Hutton,University of Bristol
"The first truly authoritative book on the subject." * New York Press,Nov. 14-20, 2001 *
"Seeks to debunk the outlandish accusations leveled against Pagan practices by irresponsible journalists, overzealous evangelists and outright liars. . . .Convincing"Publishers Weekly"A breath of fresh air and common sense . . . should be compulsory reading for clergy, therapists, [and] tabloid journalists." * The Catholic Herald *
