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Devil's Motor
A fantasy in which the Devil, driving a car, seduces humans with progress and technology, thereby leading them to their doom.
50 pages, Spiral-bound
First published April 1, 1910
1 person is currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Marie Corelli
442 books185 followersMarie Corelli (born Mary Mackay) was a best-selling British novelist of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, whose controversial works of the time often label her as an early advocate of the New Age movement.
In the 1890’s Marie Corelli’s novels were eagerly devoured by millions in England, America and the colonies. Her readers ranged from Queen Victoria and Gladstone, to the poorest of shop girls. In all she wrote thirty books, the majority of which were phenomenal best sellers. Despite the fact that her novels were either ignored or belittled by the critics, at the height of her success she was the best selling and most highly paid author in England.
She was the daughter of poet, journalist, author, anthologist, novelist, and songwriter Charles Mackay. Her brother was the poet Eric Mackay.
In the 1890’s Marie Corelli’s novels were eagerly devoured by millions in England, America and the colonies. Her readers ranged from Queen Victoria and Gladstone, to the poorest of shop girls. In all she wrote thirty books, the majority of which were phenomenal best sellers. Despite the fact that her novels were either ignored or belittled by the critics, at the height of her success she was the best selling and most highly paid author in England.
She was the daughter of poet, journalist, author, anthologist, novelist, and songwriter Charles Mackay. Her brother was the poet Eric Mackay.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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September 18, 20171910. Satan drives into the world in a flaming motor coach. The book was designed to smell smokey and the pages were darkened around the borders to seem slightly fire damaged. Cool tires with black wings motif on the cover.
March 1, 2020
I had the pleasure of reading a first edition illustrated copy of this, and it was divine. I'm fascinated by Marie Corelli now. She was far ahead of her time, personally and writing-wise.
April 28, 2023
I was lucky enough to inherit a first edition copy of this book and I have to say, experiencing it in that format really makes all the difference. This book is much more like an art instillation to be experienced, rather than a novella to read. I think Corelli was ahead of her time in that regard.
The overall design is exquite and beautifully thought out. Mine is a dark green copy rather than the traditional red and still contained all the original illustrations which were so oftened removed historically and sold as individual art prints. Every time you turn the page, you are hit with the smell of smoke and petrol that really enhances the words on each page, and the choice of calligraphic print and illustrated initials really gives you the feeling of reading an religious manuscript to tie in with the books apocalyptic content.
The 6 illustrations by Severn have a fantastic contrast of light to them. You could stare at them for an age, it feels like drinking in colour. Go look these pieces up online if you can, I think they really do add to the feelings Corelli was trying to inspire in you the reader.
If you ever find a copy, please, enjoy it.
The overall design is exquite and beautifully thought out. Mine is a dark green copy rather than the traditional red and still contained all the original illustrations which were so oftened removed historically and sold as individual art prints. Every time you turn the page, you are hit with the smell of smoke and petrol that really enhances the words on each page, and the choice of calligraphic print and illustrated initials really gives you the feeling of reading an religious manuscript to tie in with the books apocalyptic content.
The 6 illustrations by Severn have a fantastic contrast of light to them. You could stare at them for an age, it feels like drinking in colour. Go look these pieces up online if you can, I think they really do add to the feelings Corelli was trying to inspire in you the reader.
If you ever find a copy, please, enjoy it.
April 14, 2020
I didn't care for this novella. I am still going to read Corelli's other works. We all have bad days, I'm going to pretend this was hers.
May 31, 2020
Flamboyant writing, at moments its seems like its a imitation of Milton, but really pale, and lifeless.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews