The word demonology comes from the Greek word ‘daimon’ meaning spirit or God.
Demonology studies the nature, characteristics, and activities of demons, as well as the methods used to summon and control them.
For centuries, humans have been fascinated by demonic forces and the supernatural.
Learning about demonology can help us understand our deepest fears, beliefs, and the unknown realms beyond our world.
A practitioner of demonology is known as a demonologist.
This article provides a beginner’s guide to demonology and examines the 11 best books on demonology.
Whether you want an overview of demonic lore throughout history or specific rituals for summoning spirits, these books deliver occult knowledge.
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A Brief History of Demonology
- Demons appear in early religious texts like the Bible, Torah, and Quran as fallen angels or evil spirits that tempt humans. Their origins trace back thousands of years.
- During the medieval and Renaissance periods, fixation on demons intensified, often linked to witch hunts and the Inquisition.
- Prominent grimoires (magic texts) like The Lesser Key of Solomon provided rituals for conjuring demons. These dangerous works were banned by religious authorities.
- Today, demonology continues to fascinate occult practitioners, horror fans, and academics studying ancient belief systems and folklore.
Understanding demonology gives insight into the human experience.
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List of Best Books on Demonology
These are must read books for all who are looking to know more about demons, their world and their activities. These books are my favorites.
1. The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren
by Gerald Brittle
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The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren by Gerald Brittle — Ed and Lorraine Warren, were paranormal investigators and demonologists who later became famous for their involvement in a series of high-profile cases.
In 1971, they founded The New England Society for Psychic Research, which is based in Connecticut. Over the course of more than four decades, they investigated countless paranormal cases and wrote numerous books about their findings—including The Demonologist, published in 1990; it was turned into a horror film that same year.
In 2004, Ed died from heart failure at age 73. Lorraine is 92 years old and still continues to work with clients as a spiritual counselor who helps with everything from grief issues to hauntings.
Spirit: (spina), A supernatural, incorporeal, rational being or personality, usually regarded as imperceptible at ordinary times to the human senses, but capable of becoming visible at pleasure, and frequently conceived as troublesome, terrifying, or hostile to mankind.
The Oxford English Dictionary
You may be wrong if you believe ghosts only cause hauntings. This New York Times Bestseller reveals the dark religious process that underlies supernatural events, and how you can be affected.
This book is a must-read for seminaries and classrooms. Ed and Loraine Warren are America’s leading experts in demonology and exorcism for more than five decades. They have thousands of investigations under their belts and can reveal the truth about haunted homes. Chapters include Annabelle, and The Enfield Poltergeist.
The Warrens are featured in the hit movie ‘The Conjuring,’ as well as the film ‘The Conjuring : The Devil Made me Do It’ which will be in theaters June 2021.
What is in this book is information that goes far beyond the ghost story, and beyond the perils of the poltergeist, to another dimension that is further back and into a realm of evil and terror that is not just actual, its operations are literally unimaginable.
What is certain however is that everything that is presented within this publication is factual. These are actual instances that took place to real people and, with the exception of some minor instances, the events occurred in the middle or the late 1970s.
A great deal of care has been taken to select only the cases from the Warrens archives which were witnessed by clergymen who were ordained and exorcists or, in instances, when the witnesses were reliable and trustworthy and their remarks were recorded clearly on tape.
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2. Demonology the Devil and the Spirits of Darkness
by Michael Freze
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Demonology the Devil and the Spirits of Darkness by Michael Freze — Nationally-published bestseller! This is one of the most important scholarly works in demonology and demonology that has been published in many decades. It is a classic!
The author has been featured on many national television programs, including The History Channel, The Phil Donahue Show and Leeza.
He also appeared on the EWTN network (Mother Angelica Live!).
Bestseller of They Bore the Wounds of Christ, The Mystery of the Sacred Stigmata.
This book received high praise. Michael Freze, has previously published seven books in traditional print on Bible topics and other supernatural phenomena.
This includes the history of demonology and the spiritual warfare, possession, exorcism and possession, the Roman Ritual and a huge demonology dictionary.
This book also covers other topics such as the Inquisition, the teachings of mystics and saints, the teachings of Church Fathers, the teachings of the mystics; the Inquisition, the characteristics of evil spirit; involvement of bad spirits in the human realm; the occult; Satanism; the witchcraft; Satanism and poltergeist phenomena; and the Ouija board.
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3. Demonology 101: Demons, Spiritual Warfare, and Self Deliverance Prayers
by Daniel C. Okpara
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Demonology 101: Demons, Spiritual Warfare, and Self Deliverance Prayers by Daniel C. Okpara — Daniel Chika Okpara, a prominent voice in modern Christian ministry, is a key figure. His mission is to improve lives through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, with signs and wonders.
His books are highly sought after by prayer groups, Bible studies, personal devotions, and as a leading Christian author and teacher. His books and manuals have been translated into over 50 languages. Many of these books are now international bestsellers.
Christians can choose to believe in demons or not. The first extreme is to believe that demons are not real or have no power. The second extreme is to believe too much in them, and attribute every problem in your life to them.
This book offers the balance required to overcome demons and live a victorious lifestyle.
This Bible study will teach you about demons and their origins.
Demons can be real and can cause serious problems, but we don’t need to fear them. God has placed us in a higher position of authority than them.
Learn the meanings of demonic possession, demonic oppression and how they differ. This course will teach you how to recognize and distinguish between demonic possession and demonic oppression.
This book will also equip you with the truths, scriptures and prayers to cast away demons and receive personal deliverance.
4. The Dictionary of Demons: Names of the Damned
by M. Belanger
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The Dictionary of Demons: Names of the Damned by M. Belanger — With over 200 new entries, the updated and extended second edition of one the most important works on demonology now is available as a paperback.
Since the first edition of the first book over 10 years ago, the writer M. Belanger has been gathering material for the expanded edition. With new and updated articles and demons, spirits as well as appendices and artwork, The Bestselling Dictionary of Demons has become a more extensive source.
There’s a new introduction, a longer article as well as updates to Decans of the Zodiac, new entries, and a plethora of brand-new illustrations. The Dictionary of Demons: Revised and expanded contains more than 1,700 demons, as well as short demonology articles and an abundance of illustrations that make this one of the best sources in the field.
5. The Complete Book of Demonolatry
by S. Connolly
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The Complete Book of Demonolatry by S Connolly — Find powerful rites, magical rituals practices, and rituals that honor Satan as well as the Demons. Discover the reasons and the Enns Demonolatry Sigils ascension and other techniques of Demonolatry are now widely used by Theistic Satanists.
This unique work of Demonolatry guides the students from novice to expert. It also explores the deepest levels of Demonolatry necromancy, sex magick blood rites, blood rituals, and blood sacrifice.
This book, which is employed for the old-fashioned Demonolatry Priesthood to train members of their covens, is a workbook, textbook as well as a reference book.
It contains extensive chapters on the history of demonology, Demonic Holy Days, prayers, offerings Enns, sigils rituals for religious purposes, as well as the introduction of Demonolatry Magick. It is undoubtedly the most complete work on Demonolatry that has ever been written.
6. Demonology and Devil-lore
by Moncure Daniel Conway
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Demonology and Devil-lore by Moncure Daniel Conway — Three Friars, according to a legend, hidden themselves close to one of the Witch Sabbath orgies that they could count devils But the Chief who was able to find the friars stated: Reverend Brothers the army we have is such that if the entire Alps including their mountains and glaciers were equally divided between us, no one would weigh a pound.’
The incident occurred in an Alpine valley. Anyone who has seen just a glimpse of night known as Walpurgis Day, which is described by the authors of Mythology or Folklore has to be able to agree that the kindly evil spirit did not overstate his situation. The attempts to identify the evil spectres that have ensnared mankind are as if trying to count the shadows cast on Earth by rising sunlight.
This belief has shaped the author through his study of the topic. In 1859, I wrote to the American “Tracts for the Times pamphlets called ‘The Natural History of The Devil.’ Perhaps the most important benefit of the essay was to me as the process of writing it had shown me how fascinating and importance the subject chosen.
7. When Giants Were Upon the Earth
by Brian Godawa
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When Giants Were Upon the Earth: The Watchers, the Nephilim, and the Biblical Cosmic War of the Seed (Chronicles of the Nephilim) by Brian Godawa — An Exploration of the Strange and Odd Supernatural Things in the Bible. The Biblical fantasy novel series Chronicles of the Nephilim has revolutionized the world of Evangelical imagination.
The writer Brian Godawa shares the Biblical and prehistoric historical research in this book.
For those who are seeking a serious research on the subjects that are in Genesis 6, the Watchers, Nephilim, Sons of God fallen angels Spiritual Warfare, and the Biblical Cosmic War of the Seed.
The Book of Enoch: Scripture, Heresy or What?
Bonus Chapter. How significant the old text of Enoch has been to the Church as well as in the New Testament.
Sons of God (Expanded)
Is they the Sons of God in Genesis 6 angels, Sethites or divine kings?
The Nephilim (Expanded)
This chapter examines the places where giants are mentioned throughout the Bible.
Leviathan
The idea of the sea dragon that represents chaos is prevalent throughout the early Near East and the Bible. Is it a theological significance?
Mesopotamian Cosmic Geography in the Bible
Are the Bible writers believe in the ancient Mesopotamian conception of a flat Earth supported by pillars that spanned an Underworld with a dome of solidity overhead?
Retelling Bible Stories and Mythic Imagination
The ancient Jewish writers told Bible stories to give the world to life.
Gilgamesh and the Bible
A closer look at some of the things that the old Epic of Gilgamesh has in relation to the Bible.
In Defense of Ancient Traditions
The mythology that lies of The Tower of Babel as well as Nimrod. The oldest book written by Jasher.
Mythical Monsters in the Bible
A study of mythical creatures found in the Bible: Satyrs, centaurs, Lilith, winged fiery serpents and Azazel. The most famous Biblical giants.
Canaanite Baal and Old Testament Storytelling Polemics
What Bible authors subverted Canaanite Baal to make Yahweh as the only true God.
Goliath was Not Alone
A closer look at Goliath. There are also five other giants that were hunted by David. Who are they? Lion Men of Moab?
Jesus and the Cosmic War
Satan is described as “god of this world.” Christ’s war against the Watchers. Jesus’ descent to Sheol and triumph over Powers.
The Geography of Hades
An exploration of the underworld in pagan myths and the Bible. Gehenna, Sheol.
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8. The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology
by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
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The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology by Rosemary Ellen Guiley – This is a classic. The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology was first published in 1990, but has now been updated to include new information on demons that have been discovered or researched since its original publication.
Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley, an acclaimed demonologist who has written more than 40 books on various paranormal topics. If you’re interested in learning about demons, whether as part of your faith or simply out of interest, then you need to read Guiley’s Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology.
A comprehensive guide to these malevolent entities from all cultures, religions and eras around the world. Excellent for both scholars and those with a passing interest in demons (and it will keep you up at night).
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9. Demonic Possession and Exorcism In Early Modern France
by Sarah Ferber
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Demonic Possession and Exorcism In Early Modern France by Sarah Ferber — In Demonic Possession and Exorcism in Early Modern France, Sarah Ferber analyzes over 1,000 cases of demonic possession occurring between 1580 and 1630 to understand how these particular cases unfolded within larger theological debates about demonology, witchcraft, and exorcism.
She also seeks to uncover why men or women believed themselves to be possessed by demons in 17th-century France—what was going on culturally at that time? Why did demons appear as they did? How were they treated medically? Ferber answers these questions by examining cultural trends such as witch-hunting, spiritual healing, mysticism, and psychology.
She argues that learning about exorcisms can help us better understand a complex historical moment in Europe, where Catholicism coexisted with many other forms of belief.
10. A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerers, Heretics, & Pagans
by Jeffrey B. Russell, Brooks Alexander
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A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerers, Heretics, & Pagans by Jeffrey B. Russell, Brooks Alexander — This book takes a look at witchcraft through history, examining how views of witchcraft changed and influenced culture.
This is a great read for anyone who wants to know more about how witches were seen throughout history and why these changes happened. It also goes into depth about how certain areas, such as France and Germany, were particularly susceptible to witch hysteria.
Overall, it’s an informative text that dives into one of humanity’s oldest fears: magic.
11. The Lesser Key Of Solomon
by Aleister Crowley, S. L. MacGregor Mathers
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The Lesser Key Of Solomon by Aleister Crowley, S. L. MacGregor Mathers — This is a classic handbook for ceremonial magicians written in 1855. It includes instructions for summoning and negotiating with spirits, as well as creating talismans. The Lesser Key of Solomon was written before Aleister Crowley was born and his name doesn’t appear anywhere in it. Crowley would go on to write a similar book which included six chapters from The Lesser Key of Solomon, plus some additional material. If you want to read more about demonology check out Demonic Bible by Aliester Crowley (the guy who went mad and started worshiping demons). An occultist can not pass up one of these books!
Conclusion
Demonology, the study of demons, has been around since man first inhabited the earth, and people’s fascination with the supernatural beings has never waned.
While some may prefer to avoid any kind of demonic contact in their lives, many others find themselves drawn to these otherworldly creatures.
If you fall into the latter group, these 11 books on demonology are sure to be favorites on your book shelf!
You can visit Wikipedia to learn more about demons and demonology.
From how to summon demons to methods of expelling them from your life, you’ll be prepared for anything the forces of evil might throw at you after reading these essential books about demons!
Happy Reading!!
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