What do you think?
The History of the Devil
In Clive Barker's The History of the Devil, a deprived and lovelorn Satan is sick and tired of living in Hell. He bemoans the loss of his angel-wings, his freedom of flight, his elegance, and grace. And he misses God. So he calls a trial, his appeal, to seek re-admittance into Heaven. As the trial moves through space and time, we revisit scenes of humanity's great failures - or are they the work of the Devil, his own wicked crimes? If Satan wins his day in court, he'll be with his Father in Heaven. And if he loses? He'll spend eternity here with us - on Earth.
188 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Clive Barker
702 books15.6k followersClive Barker was born in Liverpool, England, the son of Joan Rubie (née Revill), a painter and school welfare officer, and Leonard Barker, a personnel director for an industrial relations firm. Educated at Dovedale Primary School and Quarry Bank High School, he studied English and Philosophy at Liverpool University and his picture now hangs in the entrance hallway to the Philosophy Department. It was in Liverpool in 1975 that he met his first partner, John Gregson, with whom he lived until 1986. Barker's second long-term relationship, with photographer David Armstrong, ended in 2009.
In 2003, Clive Barker received The Davidson/Valentini Award at the 15th GLAAD Media Awards. This award is presented "to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individual who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for any of those communities". While Barker is critical of organized religion, he has stated that he is a believer in both God and the afterlife, and that the Bible influences his work.
Fans have noticed of late that Barker's voice has become gravelly and coarse. He says in a December 2008 online interview that this is due to polyps in his throat which were so severe that a doctor told him he was taking in ten percent of the air he was supposed to have been getting. He has had two surgeries to remove them and believes his resultant voice is an improvement over how it was prior to the surgeries. He said he did not have cancer and has given up cigars. On August 27, 2010, Barker underwent surgery yet again to remove new polyp growths from his throat. In early February 2012 Barker fell into a coma after a dentist visit led to blood poisoning. Barker remained in a coma for eleven days but eventually came out of it. Fans were notified on his Twitter page about some of the experience and that Barker was recovering after the ordeal, but left with many strange visions.
Barker is one of the leading authors of contemporary horror/fantasy, writing in the horror genre early in his career, mostly in the form of short stories (collected in Books of Blood 1 – 6), and the Faustian novel The Damnation Game (1985). Later he moved towards modern-day fantasy and urban fantasy with horror elements in Weaveworld (1987), The Great and Secret Show (1989), the world-spanning Imajica (1991) and Sacrament (1996), bringing in the deeper, richer concepts of reality, the nature of the mind and dreams, and the power of words and memories.
Barker has a keen interest in movie production, although his films have received mixed receptions. He wrote the screenplays for Underworld (aka Transmutations – 1985) and Rawhead Rex (1986), both directed by George Pavlou. Displeased by how his material was handled, he moved to directing with Hellraiser (1987), based on his novella The Hellbound Heart. His early movies, the shorts The Forbidden and Salome, are experimental art movies with surrealist elements, which have been re-released together to moderate critical acclaim. After his film Nightbreed (Cabal), which was widely considered to be a flop, Barker returned to write and direct Lord of Illusions. Barker was an executive producer of the film Gods and Monsters, which received major critical acclaim.
Barker is a prolific visual artist working in a variety of media, often illustrating his own books. His paintings have been seen first on the covers of his official fan club magazine, Dread, published by Fantaco in the early Nineties, as well on the covers of the collections of his plays, Incarnations (1995) and Forms of Heaven (1996), as well as on the second printing of the original UK publications of his Books of Blood series.
A longtime comics fan, Barker achieved his dream of publishing his own superhero books when Marvel Comics launched the Razorline imprint in 1993. Based on detailed premises, titles and lead characters he created specifically for this, the four interrelated titles — set outside the Marvel universe — were Ectokid,
In 2003, Clive Barker received The Davidson/Valentini Award at the 15th GLAAD Media Awards. This award is presented "to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individual who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for any of those communities". While Barker is critical of organized religion, he has stated that he is a believer in both God and the afterlife, and that the Bible influences his work.
Fans have noticed of late that Barker's voice has become gravelly and coarse. He says in a December 2008 online interview that this is due to polyps in his throat which were so severe that a doctor told him he was taking in ten percent of the air he was supposed to have been getting. He has had two surgeries to remove them and believes his resultant voice is an improvement over how it was prior to the surgeries. He said he did not have cancer and has given up cigars. On August 27, 2010, Barker underwent surgery yet again to remove new polyp growths from his throat. In early February 2012 Barker fell into a coma after a dentist visit led to blood poisoning. Barker remained in a coma for eleven days but eventually came out of it. Fans were notified on his Twitter page about some of the experience and that Barker was recovering after the ordeal, but left with many strange visions.
Barker is one of the leading authors of contemporary horror/fantasy, writing in the horror genre early in his career, mostly in the form of short stories (collected in Books of Blood 1 – 6), and the Faustian novel The Damnation Game (1985). Later he moved towards modern-day fantasy and urban fantasy with horror elements in Weaveworld (1987), The Great and Secret Show (1989), the world-spanning Imajica (1991) and Sacrament (1996), bringing in the deeper, richer concepts of reality, the nature of the mind and dreams, and the power of words and memories.
Barker has a keen interest in movie production, although his films have received mixed receptions. He wrote the screenplays for Underworld (aka Transmutations – 1985) and Rawhead Rex (1986), both directed by George Pavlou. Displeased by how his material was handled, he moved to directing with Hellraiser (1987), based on his novella The Hellbound Heart. His early movies, the shorts The Forbidden and Salome, are experimental art movies with surrealist elements, which have been re-released together to moderate critical acclaim. After his film Nightbreed (Cabal), which was widely considered to be a flop, Barker returned to write and direct Lord of Illusions. Barker was an executive producer of the film Gods and Monsters, which received major critical acclaim.
Barker is a prolific visual artist working in a variety of media, often illustrating his own books. His paintings have been seen first on the covers of his official fan club magazine, Dread, published by Fantaco in the early Nineties, as well on the covers of the collections of his plays, Incarnations (1995) and Forms of Heaven (1996), as well as on the second printing of the original UK publications of his Books of Blood series.
A longtime comics fan, Barker achieved his dream of publishing his own superhero books when Marvel Comics launched the Razorline imprint in 1993. Based on detailed premises, titles and lead characters he created specifically for this, the four interrelated titles — set outside the Marvel universe — were Ectokid,
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 26, 2015
Although I gave this a five star rating, for which it wholeheartedly deserved, this was then type of story that one must listen to. The cast for this was perfect, Dylan Baker voices the Devil himself and he does an amazing job with it!
If you're a Clive Barker fan, or just a fan of the odd and disgusting, find this and listen. You won't regret it.
June 11, 2015
Although I typically enjoy the "radio play" versions of audiobooks, I did find this one was a bit hard to follow because the characters tended to talk over one another. I did enjoy the story, and Mr. Barker, in the grand tradition of "Cabal" was able to make the traditionally "evil" character sympathetic.
November 5, 2022
I listened to the audiobook and it was absolutely amazing. A full amazing cast and sound effects. I think it makes a HUGE difference from reading it. The devil character is just fabulous and keeps you in stitches. Highly recommend the audiobook. The book is great, but the audiobook is a must, I got it on Libby from my local library.
October 1, 2018
It’s actually a really funny story about Satan wanting to get back into heaven and having a trial because his sentence is technically over. I was expecting something horrific scary terrorizing... and instead I got something very Chuck Palahniukish, I like Palahniuk, but I was just in the mood for something more in the traditional horror genre.
The writing is great. Although I did listen to this on audiobook by a great cast of voices... apparently it was also a show or movie or something on the sci-fi channel... bit confused on how it’s related.
The characters are good, Satan is very Satanic and wise in his sarcastic way, but when it came to my enjoyment, it lacked, hence the low rating. But definitely read more Clive Barker. This was also my first Clive Barker book/audiobook.
The writing is great. Although I did listen to this on audiobook by a great cast of voices... apparently it was also a show or movie or something on the sci-fi channel... bit confused on how it’s related.
The characters are good, Satan is very Satanic and wise in his sarcastic way, but when it came to my enjoyment, it lacked, hence the low rating. But definitely read more Clive Barker. This was also my first Clive Barker book/audiobook.
June 14, 2021
I don't think I've ever listened to a teleplay before. The cast was dope, especially Dylan Baker. It was definitely a fun premise but I feel like more could have been done with it. Overall it was a good listen because I love me some Satan stories. The funniest part was when Jesus was introduced. Blasphemous? Of course! It's Clive f'n Barker! And Lucifer's first acts on Earth...wow. Now I need to go and rebinge Hellraiser 1-3.
April 5, 2018
Boring and not that funny. It's hard to do so little with such rich source material. Avoid and re-read Paradise Lost or at least watch/read Lucifer or Good Omens.
August 22, 2020
This is just about as weird as it gets.
March 20, 2024
Meh. It was fine
October 25, 2025
Clive Barker doesn't make bad books. EVER.
August 25, 2023
Great premise. Delivered exactly what I thought, even surprised me the twist outcome.
Kudos to the voice actor playing the devil. A silkly smooth talker, totally convincing how we got away with so much over the hundreds of years.
Kudos to the voice actor playing the devil. A silkly smooth talker, totally convincing how we got away with so much over the hundreds of years.
April 10, 2023
This is the first thing I listened to as an audio book. I highly recommend it as it was so well produced.
The story is very interesting and gives humanity to Satan. Though I feel like if this is your first attempt at reading Clive Barker you won't like it as much. His style is a bit polarizing in that you either hate it or love it with not much of an in-between.
If God and the angels left heaven, what's left?
The story is very interesting and gives humanity to Satan. Though I feel like if this is your first attempt at reading Clive Barker you won't like it as much. His style is a bit polarizing in that you either hate it or love it with not much of an in-between.
If God and the angels left heaven, what's left?
July 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bold, bizarre, and a bit too much—but undeniably Barker.
The History of the Devil is classic Clive Barker: provocative, unsettling, and packed with philosophical musings wrapped in horror and spectacle. The premise—a trial to determine whether the Devil deserves to return to Heaven—is fascinating, and Barker doesn’t shy away from exploring deep moral and theological questions in a theatrical, often grotesque fashion.
That said, the execution can be hit or miss. The dialogue is razor-sharp in places, but also meanders into monologues that feel more like thought experiments than actual conversations. The characters are strange by design, but some felt more like vehicles for ideas than fully realized people. There’s brilliance in the bones of it, but it gets buried under layers of metaphor and excess at times.
It’s not a light or easy read—it’s dense, talky, and occasionally self-indulgent—but it’s also imaginative and deeply original. If you like your horror with a heavy dose of philosophy and a dash of the theatrical, it’s worth checking out. Just be prepared for a ride that’s more cerebral than scary.
Bold, bizarre, and a bit too much—but undeniably Barker.
The History of the Devil is classic Clive Barker: provocative, unsettling, and packed with philosophical musings wrapped in horror and spectacle. The premise—a trial to determine whether the Devil deserves to return to Heaven—is fascinating, and Barker doesn’t shy away from exploring deep moral and theological questions in a theatrical, often grotesque fashion.
That said, the execution can be hit or miss. The dialogue is razor-sharp in places, but also meanders into monologues that feel more like thought experiments than actual conversations. The characters are strange by design, but some felt more like vehicles for ideas than fully realized people. There’s brilliance in the bones of it, but it gets buried under layers of metaphor and excess at times.
It’s not a light or easy read—it’s dense, talky, and occasionally self-indulgent—but it’s also imaginative and deeply original. If you like your horror with a heavy dose of philosophy and a dash of the theatrical, it’s worth checking out. Just be prepared for a ride that’s more cerebral than scary.
December 8, 2023
I really liked this book but the ending made it drop from a 5 to a 4. I really felt it was out of character for Lucifer to leave the other fallen angels behind as so much of the book had him seeming to genuinely love his family and home. I felt like the narrative had a revolving theme of doing something awful to get what you want and everything coming at a price (raping a child to get the favour of a pagan god, giving up the Jewish baby to escape a battle, etc) so I would have really liked to see that being the reason for the betrayal. Something like Lucifer being reminded that the terms were only that Lucifer could return and so he'd have to leave the other fallen angels behind. Then in a moment overcome with the desire to return to Heaven and YHWH he agreed. Obviously I am no Clive Barker so maybe I don't have a place to critique but I found this one part of the story massively disappointing.
However, Lucifer only agreeing to never PERMANENTLY return to earth seems like there could possibly be room for some mischief to come up, hm??
However, Lucifer only agreeing to never PERMANENTLY return to earth seems like there could possibly be room for some mischief to come up, hm??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
The premise is delightfully absurd: Satan, tired of the whole fire-and-brimstone gig, wants to appeal his banishment and return to Heaven. Naturally, he demands a fair trial. What follows is utter chaos—a courtroom drama with divine stakes, where we’re dragged through flashbacks of the Devil’s “greatest hits,” complete with mass destruction, moral decay, and more than a few unfortunate corpses.
Despite the whole fallen angel fighting for redemption thing, this book is shockingly silly—in the best way. Coming from Clive Barker, the guy who gave us Hellraiser, you’d expect pure nightmare fuel, but instead we get sharp, campy horror-comedy that actually lands. Think: sacrilege, satire, and a lot of dramatic flair. If you want to watch Satan throw himself a legal pity party and somehow make it funny, this one's for you.
Despite the whole fallen angel fighting for redemption thing, this book is shockingly silly—in the best way. Coming from Clive Barker, the guy who gave us Hellraiser, you’d expect pure nightmare fuel, but instead we get sharp, campy horror-comedy that actually lands. Think: sacrilege, satire, and a lot of dramatic flair. If you want to watch Satan throw himself a legal pity party and somehow make it funny, this one's for you.
March 26, 2026
I listened to a "Fully Dramatized Audiobook Production" from Phoenix Books, Inc. loaned from the Seattle Public Library.
The audiobook production was overly dramatic, plus I had to lean a bit into my lapsed Christian knowledge to pick up on some of the lore invoked during this trial of the Devil (big "D").
A bit old-fashioned for me, actually. Clive Barker must have spent more than one idle afternoon under a preacher's tent somewhere in the Heart of America.
I don't need to be convinced of the existence of the devil (little "d"), as I have seen the evil that men do to each other. Given my perspective, there was a snippet of the evidence against the Devil that resonated with me: what the Devil had to say about the 20th century.
There are worse ways to spend three hours, though, if you have a project to work on.
The audiobook production was overly dramatic, plus I had to lean a bit into my lapsed Christian knowledge to pick up on some of the lore invoked during this trial of the Devil (big "D").
A bit old-fashioned for me, actually. Clive Barker must have spent more than one idle afternoon under a preacher's tent somewhere in the Heart of America.
I don't need to be convinced of the existence of the devil (little "d"), as I have seen the evil that men do to each other. Given my perspective, there was a snippet of the evidence against the Devil that resonated with me: what the Devil had to say about the 20th century.
There are worse ways to spend three hours, though, if you have a project to work on.
February 21, 2023
(read this specific play collected in the volume "Incarnations: Three Plays by Clive Barker")
The first time I've read one of barker's early stage plays and while this has its issues here and there, (most of which I'm sure stem from the fact that I read the script as opposed to seeing it preformed live on stage!) this is still just as good as his other written works of his I've read so far!
Basically the plot of this play is the devil is put on trial to see if he should be allowed back into heaven or if he should be confined forever on earth with humanity! Needless to say its very much what you would think a Clive barker stage play would be like!
The first time I've read one of barker's early stage plays and while this has its issues here and there, (most of which I'm sure stem from the fact that I read the script as opposed to seeing it preformed live on stage!) this is still just as good as his other written works of his I've read so far!
Basically the plot of this play is the devil is put on trial to see if he should be allowed back into heaven or if he should be confined forever on earth with humanity! Needless to say its very much what you would think a Clive barker stage play would be like!
May 30, 2026
I had no idea what to expect with this one as I had never heard of it before reading the plot synopsis in the game Tiny Book Shop, but I loved every minute of it. Very interesting and thought provoking prose, funny characters that had immense depth for how much page time each story got, and I especially loved the way that the big JC himself was portrayed. From the moment the devil entered the court room in an explosion of birds and sickass music (in the audiobook production) I was hooked. No spoilers, but the end made me laugh out loud. Very cathartic story for an ex-evangelical like myself.
Loved it, look forward to seeing a theater production of it one day.
Loved it, look forward to seeing a theater production of it one day.
August 1, 2024
I read this in the audiobook format and loved it. The cast was fantastic, especially Dylan Baker who absolutely stole the show.
I listened to this on my flight from Tenerife to Budapest and it made the long trip so much more enjoyable.
The reason I am not giving this 5 stars is because the premise to this is amazing. A court room where the Devil himself is being judged. Fantastic premise. But sadly I wanted more after it ended and the things that we got I thought could have been fleshed out a bit more.
I listened to this on my flight from Tenerife to Budapest and it made the long trip so much more enjoyable.
The reason I am not giving this 5 stars is because the premise to this is amazing. A court room where the Devil himself is being judged. Fantastic premise. But sadly I wanted more after it ended and the things that we got I thought could have been fleshed out a bit more.
November 17, 2021
I think this is typical of Clive Barker so don’t read it if you haven’t read anything by him or don’t like his books .
TW - for everything
If you take away everything that will offend you, it’s pretty good prose and an interesting premise, the devil is on trial for crimes against humanity. The devil does very bad things.
I listened to the audiobook.
It’s a good production & quite short. I’m somewhat surprised that my library had the book.
3.5 stars
TW - for everything
If you take away everything that will offend you, it’s pretty good prose and an interesting premise, the devil is on trial for crimes against humanity. The devil does very bad things.
I listened to the audiobook.
It’s a good production & quite short. I’m somewhat surprised that my library had the book.
3.5 stars
June 24, 2025
This book HAS to read by the audio version. Full cast and sound effects make this story even better. I went into this thinking it would be dark (& it is) and more of a downer if you will. Instead I found myself laughing out loud and totally engrossed the whole time. Dylan Baker makes for an amazing devil with his super smooth delivery. Overall I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. Coming in at 3 hours for the audio version is for sure worth a listen.
Did Not Finish
September 6, 2026Though I’m not especially religious, religious studies is a special interest of mine so maybe I am especially sensitive to this but I found the world building and inventiveness quite lacking. Christian fundamentalist ideas about Lucifer and the Bible form the foundational context for the world with little deviation and the central conceit is Lucifer wants back into heaven… just deeply uninteresting.
December 31, 2019
A very odd book that I can't tell what I think about it. Definitely dated and uncomfortable in parts especially when it comes to race and children.
Too short to really be something truly interesting.
I liked Dylan Baker as the devil on the audio book. He plays a lot of slimy amoral characters so this is right up his alley.
Too short to really be something truly interesting.
I liked Dylan Baker as the devil on the audio book. He plays a lot of slimy amoral characters so this is right up his alley.
May 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. I listened to the audio and I highly suggest it. It’s so chaotic and theatrical. There’s sound effects, multiple voice actors, and a narrator. It’s like I’m listening to a play on stage! This book wasn’t what I thought it would be, it was comical at some points. It’s so crazy, but so good. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 13, 2026
I think I’d have preferred a hard copy to this over audiobook, which was difficult to follow at points. Despite that, I really enjoyed this! It is a great concept with a memorable group of characters, all with their own motivations and backstories that were fun to untangle. This made me want to prioritize reading more Clive Barker.
March 21, 2018
Audiobook that was like an audioplay
That was just... odd. it was an odd book.
Feigned that it would give you sympathy, or disdain for the character , feigned that it would be playing out during some cosmic event. None of these really happened.
That was just... odd. it was an odd book.
Feigned that it would give you sympathy, or disdain for the character , feigned that it would be playing out during some cosmic event. None of these really happened.
April 29, 2018
I listened to this as a radio play, not a standard audiobook. It was entertaining, but it seemed uncertain whether it was a drama or a comedy. It was a little of both. I'm not sure I understood the ending.
And, yes, it really took me 4+ years to get around to finishing listening to it.
And, yes, it really took me 4+ years to get around to finishing listening to it.
May 6, 2024
Just like he did with Mister. B. Gone you get a religion grounded tale of a different perspective. It's done in the style of a Procedural drama with the trial of the devil, where we get to witness select moments that he touched society in the form of witness statements and recollections.
August 11, 2026
Best audio book I have ever listened to. I literally just finished it less than a minute ago and I might already listen to the whole thing again. This might be one of my favorite depictions of the devil ever
May 23, 2019
Disappointing. I read and enjoyed a Barker's work in the past and given that the source material is a rich vein to draw from this was workman like at best.
August 7, 2019
Over-written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews