SKU: 60604284143

The Devil in Society in Premodern Europe

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The Devil in Society in Premodern EuropeOverview While theologians from Augustine and Gregory to Aquinas, Luther, and De Lancre struggled to determine the nature of the devil and the extent of his powers, the men and women of premodern Europe felt and saw the presence of the devil all around them. Theirs were societies and cultures in which the devil and his assorted crew of minions were ascribed real potency in the natural world. Treating the devil not as a reified theological entity but

Overview

While theologians from Augustine and Gregory to Aquinas, Luther, and De Lancre struggled to determine the nature of the devil and the extent of his powers, the men and women of premodern Europe felt – and saw – the presence of the devil all around them. Theirs were societies and cultures in which the devil and his assorted crew of minions were ascribed real potency in the natural world. Treating the devil not as a reified theological entity but as a dynamic concept that was made and remade over the centuries according to cultural priorities and the exigencies of circumstance, the articles in this collection probe how the devil and demonism operated as explanatory categories that helped create and rationalise experience, thereby shaping the way people lived their lives and understood their place and role in the world.

To watch a short video in which co-editor Richard Raiswell discusses the genesis and major themes of The Devil in Society in Premodern Europe, please click here.

568 pp.
ISBN: 978-0-7727-2124-2 softcover
Published: 2012

Contents

Richard Raiswell, “Introduction”

I. The Devil’s Identity
1. Audrey Meaney, “The Devil Can Seriously Damage your Health: Reflections on Anglo-Saxon Demonology”
2. Martin Chase, “Leviathan and the miðgarðsormr in Old Norse Christian Texts: An Attempt to Diabolize the World Serpent?”
3. David Ross Winter, “Preaching the Demonic Family in the West Country: An Account of the Devil and His Mother in an Early Thirteenth-Century Example Book from Llanthony Secunda Priory”

II. Recognising the Devil
4. Andreea Marculescu, “Playing with Witches: Theology, History, and Performance in Jean Michel’s Mystère de la Passion
5. Gary K. Waite, “Demonizing Rhetoric, Reformation Heretics and the Witch Sabbaths: Anabaptists and Witches in Elite Discourse”
6. Jolanta N. Komornicka, “The Devil on Trial: The Changing Role of the Devil in the Trial by Ordeal”
7. Erika Gasser, “Samuel Harsnett, John Darrell, and the Use of Gender as an English Possession Propaganda Strategy”
8. Kirsten C. Uszkalo, “Embodied Spiritualities, Salacious Biographies, and the Hog-Faced Prophetical Witch”

III. Physical and Cultural Spaces of the Demonic
9. Suzanne Scanlan, “The Devil in the Refectory: Bodies Imagined and the Oblates of Tor de’ Specchi in Quattrocento Rome”
10. Michael A. Ryan, “Nicolau Eymerich and Discerning the End of Days”
11. Pierre Kapitaniak, “The Devil Turned Go-Between: False Conjurations on the Jacobean Stage”
12. Richard Kieckhefer, “The Necromancer as Mountebank: Comic Elements in a Late Medieval Tragedy”
13. Peter A. Morton, “Lutheran Naturalism, Popular Magic, and the Devil”

IV. Control, Restraining and Adjuration
14. Sophie Lunn-Rockliffe, “Visualizing the Demonic: The Gadarene Exorcism in Early Christian Art and Literature”
15. Maria Tausiet, “The Rule of Satan as Seen by a Soldier: Prophecy and Millenarianism in the Spanish Golden Age”
16. Nadine Metzger, “Incubus as an Illness: Taming the Demonic by Medical Means in Late Antiquity and Beyond”
17. Guido Dall’Olio, “The Devil of Inquisitors, Demoniacs and Exorcists in Counter-Reformation Italy”
18. Richard Raiswell and Peter Dendle, “Epilogue: Inscribing the Devil in Cultural Contexts”

Praise

“[E]xcellent contributions that combine fascinating case-studies with intelligent, productive thinking[….]” — Stuart Clark, Renaissance and Reformation/Renaissance et Reformé 36/1 (2013), p. 190.

Reviews

Renaissance and Reformation, 36.1 (2013), pp. 189-191. Reviewed by Stuart Clark.

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SKU: 60604284143

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DD
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 4
Boys’ 5‑Piece Linen Suit Set
Color: Beige, Size: 16, Color: Beige, Size: 16
I ordered this 5‑piece linen suit in size 16 in the beige color. The set includes the jacket, pants, dress shirt, bow tie, and a slip‑on tie. The outer fabric is a blend of 70% polyester, 25% linen, and 5% spandex, and the lining is 100% polyester. The material is lightweight, which works well for warm‑weather events, but the pants are noticeably thinner than the jacket. The jacket feels sturdier because of the full lining. The jacket has a peak lapel, flap pockets, and cuff buttons, and the stitching and seams are tight and even. I did notice a few loose threads, but the fabric itself was smooth with no tears or flaws. The pants have an adjustable waistband, which is helpful, but the length was too long and will need to be tailored. The overall cut of the suit seems designed for children on the thinner side. The shirt included in my set was a pleated style rather than a plain dress shirt. It wasn’t the style shown in the product photos, and I would have preferred a standard shirt that could be worn for various occasions rather than a very formal shirt. The tie is a pre‑tied slip‑on style with an elastic band. I would have preferred a traditional tie instead. The suit arrived in good condition with no damage, and the color was even throughout all pieces. The price is on the higher end for similar 5‑piece sets. I rated it 4 stars because the jacket is well made and the set includes all the expected pieces, but the thin pants, unexpected pleated shirt, and slip‑on tie kept it from being perfect.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2026
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Jacobson
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Adorable and Well‑Made Outfit for Special Events
Color: Light Blue, Size: 10, Color: Light Blue, Size: 10
Got this suit set for my son and absolutely love it. It comes with everything he needs to look sharp, and I really appreciate that it includes both a tie and a bow tie so we can switch up the style depending on the occasion. The quality is impressive for the price — the fabric feels light and comfortable, and the whole outfit has a polished look without being stiff or uncomfortable. The fit was spot on, and the adjustable waistband is a huge help for getting it just right. My son looked great in it, and it’s definitely something he can wear for more than one event. The little details on the jacket and pants give it a classic, dressed‑up feel that works for weddings, holidays, or any special moment. Overall, it’s a stylish, practical set that makes getting him ready so much easier. Really happy with this purchase.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026
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Crystal
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 4
Boys linen fabric suit
Color: Light Green, Size: 16
Boys suit set in a lighter green color. This suit is made with good proportions and seems to fit well. The sizing seems slightly big so maybe size down one size. The fabric does wrinkle easily so be aware that sitting and folding the suit may cause wrinkling. Otherwise it is a very nice suit for a formal occasion. It comes in many good colors.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2026
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Atherney Family Farm
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice elegant suit for any occasion.
Color: Light Blue, Size: 12, Color: Light Blue, Size: 12
The suit set is very nice, the fabric material is durable and soft. Overall stitching is tight with nice surging of the hems and great construction on the shoulders. Buttons and button wholes are well done. I'm going to iron in the creases on the front of the pants because they weren't folded properly for shipping. The material does hold on to wrinkles so don't be afraid of your iron to get a super sharp look. The color is a soft baby blue that stands out in a crowd of black suits. With the option of an elastic tie or clip on bowtie this is everything you need to make him look presentable for a variety of occasions. My only complaint about this suit kit is the dress shirt is stiff and thin. I found some loose threads that I don't trust to not get played with. I'll probably trade it out for something with a little more cotton. As far as cost goes mid range, but definitely worth the cost. I might consider something with a vest if it's a super formal event, but I'm very happy with how this suit comes together.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2026
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Martin V.
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Modern luxury with summer fabric that performs above its price!
Color: Beige, Size: 14, Color: Beige, Size: 14
Wow! My son wore it for Easter Sunday and this suit fits the bill! The linen material is spot on--not too heavy and not too light especially since the weather is warming up now. The jacket is quality made--the design is modern executive, the stitches are strong no flaws to note. The pants are tad bit longer but that's okay, build quality is also great. The white shirt is decent and matches well with the rest of the set. The bow tie and tie itself is a great complimentary to the set, though optional to wear. The whole set just has that quality you would really look for in the price range you would want to pay. Overall, best value for for the, wear right outside the bag, maybe a light ironing otherwise it's perfect! I highly recommend it, no complaints here very happy with this suit!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2026

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