Devil's Scourge: Exorcism During the Italian Renaissance - Softcover

Girolamo Menghi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 157863265X ISBN 13: 9781578632657

Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser, 2002

Synopsis

Even during the height of the Renaissance, people believed in demonic possession. Only holy men held the power to do battle with the evil spirits. Here is a concise history of demonology and the complete English translation of a sixteenth century manual written by the most authoritative exorcist of Renaissance Italy, Girolamo Menghi. Containing accounts of seven exorcisms, Menghi's manual and Paxia's commentary explain what the signs of demonic possession are and who are the most vulnerable. Paxia also looks at Menghi's life in detail including how he exorcised people and what objects he used during the ceremony. Paxia also investigates how the church first got involved in exorcism and how its view of the devil has changed.

About this title

Synopsis

This is the first complete English translation of a Renaissance exorcist's manual. It is a concise history of demonology and contains accounts of seven exorcisms as well as Menghi's manual. Paxia's commentary explains what the signs of demonic possession are and who are the most vulnerable. Paxia also looks at Menghi's life in detail, including how he exorcised people and what objects he used during the ceremony.

Edition details

• Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 157863265X
• ISBN 13: 9781578632657
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224