The History of the Devil, Ancient and Modern.

In two parts. Part First containing, a state of the Devil’s circumstances, from his expulsion out of heaven, to the creation; with remarks on the several mistakes concerning his fall. Part Second containing his more private conduct down to the present times; his government, his appearances, his manner of working, and the tools he works with. With a Description of the Devil’s dwelling. Durham : Printed and sold by G. Walker, bookseller, Sadler Street, 1822. Octavo (225 x 140 mm), later binding of maroon cloth with gilt-lettered spine (boards and spine heavily sunned); front free-endpaper with ownership inscription of E. G. Besant dated 1923; pp. [1]-352, with one vignette illustration; occasional spotting, otherwise contents very good.

‘First published in 1726, the book is divided into two parts. The first covers the history of the devil from his fall from heaven until the time the book was written, and the second his private conduct during that time. It was one of a trilogy of books Defoe wrote towards the end of his life, that address various occult subjects. Defoe specifically discusses the history and influence of the Archfiend, Satan, and his impact on human history in this book which is also known as “The political history of the Devil”. (Susan Isaac, Royal College of Surgeons of England Library)