I. Lucifer: Exploring the Archetype and Origins of the Devil

by Corvis Nocturnum, E.R. Vernor

Delve into the many aspects of the evolving archetype of Lucifer, from his multifaceted creation to his almost endearing charm on today's world stage. Explore myths and legends of not only Satan, but what Lucifer represents in our culture and the effects it has had over the centuries--from dogmatic repression of pagan beliefs to the fervor during the heights of the "Satanic Panic" of the 1980s and 1990s. Examine the defense of old Nick by the Romantic writers and Anton LaVey's Church of Satan, as well as literature and film's role in redefining his ever-changing guise. Learn the aspects of his origins and see what has been borrowed from other faiths to shape our mental picture of the being known as The Devil. Suspend preconceived notions and look at the evolution of this mythic persona from his origin up to modern times. Find out if the Devil made you do it...

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

Pseudonym of E.R. Vernor

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

I, Lucifer
Exploring the Archetype and Origins of the Devil
Author: Corvis Nocturnum
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing LTD
Publishing Date: 2011
Pgs: 175
Dewey: 133.42n759i 2011 2/14
Disposition: InterLibrary Loan from Porter Public Library, Westlake, OH
Via Irving Public Library - South Campus - Irving, TX
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The Sigh:
Some pages are very hard to read due to color scheme, underlay, and art with text over it.
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Last Page Sound:
Meh.

Questions I’m Left With:
Questions I am left with are more about the nature of evil and good than about the book. And even less about the historical concepts of these constructs and more about the modern societal implications which are not explored herein.
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I’m sorry that time, effort, and resources were spent by the InterLibrary Loan program to get this book to me. Wish

[Andy Stark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Filled with lots of really good information and perspective on the devil, but wow, someone really should have edited this book a little more carefully before allowing it to be published. Pretty hard to get through at some points because of all the mistakes.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It provides information on the archetype I didn't know before. It can be difficult to read quickly if you're not dedicated to it. Possibly because of the way it was printed with black background pages (I have vision issues so it bothered me a little and made some pages harder to read). The info can be triggering for some people. Overall, pretty good.

[Hydra Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corvis Nocturnum has, with this book, given the reader a whole new way of looking at the Devil. I. Lucifer Exploring the Archetype and Origins of the Devil!, is in my opinion the most comprehensive look at the creation and evolution of this key demonic figure, who has for so many generations frightened and captivated mankind's imagination, to date. This is no small statement on my part. I too am one who has, with my own writings, spent much time visiting with and studying this character or characters that is Satan, Belial, Lucifer, etc. However, this book taught even me a thing or two new about the Devil.

A considerable amount of time is spent in this book on modern Satanism, the Church of Satan, and present day depictions of Satan in the media. Not as much is said about modern day Luciferianism (devil-worship), which the author rightly points out if very different from Satanism. A part of me wishes more space had been devoted to this set of beliefs, as I think that would have made for an interesting read and maybe made the book a bit more "well-rounded", but ultimately this is a book about the archetype that is Satan not the deity some still believe him to be. This is not to say a belief by some in a literal Satan was completely ignored, it was not.

This book is, also, chock full of historical depictions of the Devil, including everything from religious text from around the world to detailed accounts of witches' confessions regarding fornication with their master and his demons. This is to me where the true value of this book lies. The origins of Hell and it's leadership goes much further back then Christianity or even Judaism. Mr. Nocturnum explores this distant devilish past and addresses how the Devil was originally viewed by the major faiths of the world. Some might be shocked at how positively Satan was viewed among many early Christians and Jews. Others might find his connection to the Jinn of Islam more compelling, but whatever the case I think most who read this book will learn something new about the Devil and maybe even themselves.

[MKF · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I would like to warn future readers that this book does have some mistakes in as pointed out in another review. If you can get past them then this is an amazing book! The history and orgins of Lucifer and Hell was interesting and though it was a bit brief it was very in-depth. Corvis also discusses the portrayal of the devil in films, in books, plays,and even included authors who wrote about him. There is just so much information in this book especially about Satanism and the Church of Satan and it was easy to understand unlike my husbands describing it. After reading this I look forward to reading more books by Corvis Nocturnum.

[Jasmine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written, poorly edited, and *apparently* very well cited (as the author was so kind to point out to me below). This book reads like a high school level research paper.