Okay, let's get this straight: Le diable peint par lui-même (The Devil Painted by Himself) isn't a novel. Imagine a demonic phone book. Published in 1819 by Jacques Collin de Plancy, it's a huge catalog of demons, spirits, and occult practices. The twist? The author insisted he was just the secretary. The real author, he claimed, was the Devil, who dictated the whole thing to tell his side of the story. It's packed with entries on famous demons, magic spells, and supernatural events, all presented as fact from the ultimate bad source.

The Story

There isn't a plot in the usual sense. Instead, the 'story' is the book's own creation myth. Collin de Plancy, a former Catholic, dives deep into occult research. He comes out with this massive volume saying, 'Don't blame me, I'm just taking dictation from the Prince of Lies.' It walks a crazy line. Is it a sincere attempt to document the occult from the inside? A sly critique of superstition by having the devil expose his own 'secrets'? Or just a brilliant marketing stunt to sell a controversial book? The book itself is the mystery.

Why You Should Read It

I'm fascinated by what this says about the author and his time. The 19th century was obsessed with cataloging the world, even the dark parts. This feels like that impulse gone completely off the rails. Is Collin de Plancy a believer, a skeptic, or a showman? His later life adds to the puzzle—he eventually reconverted to Catholicism and tried to revise the book to make it more 'orthodox.' Reading it, you're not just learning about demons; you're peering into one man's very strange, conflicted mind.

Final Verdict

This is a niche pick, but a thrilling one. It's perfect for history buffs who love oddities, fans of the occult, or anyone who enjoys a good literary mystery. Don't expect a coherent narrative. Do expect to be baffled, amused, and genuinely creeped out by the sheer audacity of it. It's a historical artifact that feels like it shouldn't exist. If you want to read something truly unique, this is it.