Dictionnaire infernal

by Jacques Collin de Plancy, Hubert Juin

Le DICTIONNAIRE INFERNAL de Collin de Plancy fait partie des oeuvres majeures de l’occultisme et de la démonologie… alors que l’ouvrage avait été écrit pour dénoncer les superstitions dans la France de la Restauration. Apparenté à Danton, influencé par Voltaire et la philosophie des Lumières, l’auteur voulait faire la part entre le folklore ou les épouvantails agités par l’Eglise et les faits réellement troublants, et ce, dans tous les domaines du surnaturel. D’où ce sous-titre complet de l’ouvrage : “Bibliothèque universelle sur les êtres, les personnages, les livres, les faits et les choses qui tiennent aux apparitions, à la magie, au commerce de l’Enfer, aux divinations, aux sciences secrètes, aux grimoires, aux prodiges, aux erreurs et aux préjugés, aux traditions et aux contes populaires, aux superstitions diverses et, généralement, à toutes les croyances merveilleuses, surprenantes, mystérieuses et surnaturelles”.

Genres: Occult, Nonfiction, Horror, Religion, Spirituality, Reference, Paranormal

Paperback

First published January 1, 1818

About the author

Jacques Albin Simon Collin de Plancy was a French occultist, demonologist and writer; he published several works on occultism and demonology.

Reviews

[Andrew Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling the Infernal Dictionary Deluxe Edition a book doesn’t do it justice. It’s not just a book, it’s a work of art. The Infernal Dictionary is 764 pages of demonology, occult, mythology, theology, and terrifying history. What makes the Infernal Dictionary so unique and sets it apart from all other encyclopedia / reference books on the occult is the quality of work put into restoring it from the original 1863 edition, the dozens of full-color portraits that bring this work to life in a haunting way that no other book has been able to match, and the sheer amount of knowledge that it contains.

This Deluxe Edition comes in a beautiful black box, and the Infernal Dictionary its self is broken up into two volumes. There are plenty of reference books on the occult on the market today. None compare to the Infernal Dictionary. It is a must have for every student of the occult, magick, demonology, and witchcraft. I’m going to have to update my Last Will and Testament. I’m taking this book with me to the grave.

It just went on sale. Get it now!

[Andrew Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two editions of The Infernal Dictionary that have been released by Abracax House. I have decided to make an entry for each one as opposed to just adding another edition under the same title like you're supposed to do. My reason for this is that both editions of The Infernal Dictionary that Abracax House published just aren't books. I feel that they each need their own listing. I am a huge fan of Abracax House. The work they put into both editions is incredible for lack of a better word. Both editions are truly works of art. The Infernal Dictionary is reference guide to demonology, the occult, mythology & folklore, witchcraft, magick, theology, and more. This is the two volume edition that comes in a beautiful black box with a silver foil stamp on the cover as well as ribbon bookmarks. What really makes this work stand out is that Abracax House assembled some of the most talented artists I have ever seen to re-produce and re-imagine dozens of stunning full-color portraits of the demons found throughout this masterpiece. I have been collecting occult books almost my entire like. As of December 2017 I have over 9,000 books in my collection. The Abracax House edition of the Infernal Dictionary is by far my favorite book that I have ever owned. If I had to pick just one book to have it would be this one without questions. The occult knowledge alone found in this book is priceless but the care and detail put into this book by the people of Abracax House can't be understated and they deserve so much credit for bringing this amazing work back to life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

[Andrew Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible! I recommend it to anyone that studies mythology, demonology, and the occult. It's over 700 pages of the scariest stuff the world has to offer. Demons, spirits, creatures, etc. This version also has some amazing artwork added to it. I cant say enough great things about this book. It's a little expensive, just over $100 (US), but worth every penny.

[Hadena James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Scanned

The writer just scanned in the pages, even the pages of text. This meant I couldn't enlarge or change the font to make it more reader friendly. Considering it is a public domain book that I paid for, I found this incredibly lazy of the author. How hard would it have been to type the actual text in?

[Charlie Randkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cierto día una sobrina me regaló por sorpresa la edición facsímil del Dictionnaire Infernal de Collin de Plancy... para ser más exactos, del "Diccionario Infernal. ó sea Cuadro General de los seres, Personajes, Libros, Hechos y cosas que hacen referencia à las apariciones, à la Majia Blanca y Negra, al comercio del Infierno, à las adivinaciones, las ciencias secretas, à los prodigios, à los errores y preocupaciones, à las tradiciones y cuentos populares, à las supersticiones varias, y jeneralmente à las creencias maravillosas, sorprendentes, misteriosas y sobrenaturales" ¡publicado en 1842 en Barcelona por la imprenta de los hermanos Llorens!

Es una obra prodigiosa que ya había medio leído en un pdf guarro. La tipografía, la curiosa prosopeya decimonónica y lo que es una traducción bastante libre del original francés lo convierten en un texto no solamente muy ameno, sino, joder, de partirse el ojete. Y en ocasiones, dotado de una sorprendente poesía macabra. Y eso sin contar "el album infernal de 16 laminas finas". En fin, un extenso catálogo de demonios, herejes y herejías, brujas quemadas (verdaderas mártires del diablo, así las denominan), astrología, demenciales creencias japonesas y vidas de venerables abates y sufridas monjas.

El autor, Jacques Albin Simon Collin de Plancy, era también un tipo bastante curioso. Libre pensador influido por Voltaire, que fue uno de sus tutores, acabó renunciando a sus creencias liberales y escépticas como a la mitad de su vida y se convirtió a la fe católica. Pero no renunció sin embargo a su afán por lo sorprendente y acabó convirtiéndose en uno de los esoteristas y demonólogos más influyentes (y mentirosillos) de la historia de Europa.

Casi he llorado cuando me han dado el libraco.

[Mateicee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dictionnaire Infernal – Die Kinder Luzifers ist ein faszinierendes, aber auch forderndes Buch, das weit über ein klassisches „Dämonenlexikon“ hinausgeht. Der erste Teil, der lexikalisch aufgebaut ist, bietet eine beeindruckende Sammlung von Dämonen, Wesen und Begriffen aus unterschiedlichsten kulturellen und religiösen Kontexten. Gerade diese Vielfalt macht das Werk interessant, kann jedoch auch irritieren: Wer eine rein jüdisch-christliche oder katholische Dämonologie erwartet, wird überrascht sein, da auch Figuren aus slawischen, griechischen oder sogar hinduistischen Mythologien auftauchen. Historisch ist das erklärbar, wirkt aber nicht immer klar eingeordnet.

Der zweite Teil, eine Sammlung von Geschichten und Legenden, hinterlässt einen deutlich stärkeren emotionalen Eindruck. Die Erzählungen sind unangenehm, teils verstörend und bewusst so angelegt, dass sie Angst und Unruhe erzeugen. Sie zeigen eindrücklich, wie Dämonenvorstellungen genutzt wurden, um Leid zu erklären, Schuld zuzuweisen und moralische Grenzen zu ziehen. Gerade dieser Teil verlangt dem Leser eine gewisse Distanz ab und ist nichts für rein unterhaltsame Lektüre.

Stärken des Buches liegen eindeutig in seiner historischen Bedeutung, seiner Atmosphäre und der dichten Darstellung religiöser Angstbilder. Schwächen zeigen sich in der fehlenden klaren Trennung zwischen Mythologie, religiöser Deutung und kultureller Verzerrung, was ohne Vorwissen zu Missverständnissen führen kann.

Insgesamt ist Die Kinder Luzifers ein lesenswertes Werk für historisch und religionsgeschichtlich Interessierte, das zum Nachdenken anregt und bewusst Unbehagen erzeugt. Kein leichtes Buch – aber ein eindrucksvolles.

[Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not a practitioner of black magic, nor do I really believe in supernatural phenomena, but I do confess to loving grimoires. Like every angsty teenager with a lip ring, I own a copy of the demonology phone book The Lesser Key of Solomon and enjoy thumbing through its illustrations of sigils. Fans of the film Hereditary will spot the sigil for Paimon right away.

Alongside the sigils is another famous work of demonology from the early nineteenth century, The Infernal Dictionary, which illustrations of each demon by the great Louis Le Breton. Those illustrations are the primary reason I sought out the book and they do not disappoint. It is without exaggeration a work of art.

That said I would still recommend, believer or not, to resist the temptation to attempt any of the rituals meant to summon these ghastly beings from the depths of hell. Would you really want a toad with the head of a goat and the arms of a man to claim your soul?

[Alcebiades Diniz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some demonic creatures in alphabetic order.

[Moris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than Ars Goetia for two major reasons:

1. More cosmopolitan.
2. There's illustrations!

But worse because there's no enigmatic sigils to look at.

I like how demons are often depicted as tortuous and somewhat deformed, and many of them strangely humanoid and sartorially European-looking.

[Ben Brackett]

Every single illustration in this book I want as a tattoo because they are either badass, or badass and unintentionally hilarious. The same with the demon descriptions which seem like they were translated one time too many, and often throw out things like everybody hates bladear because he's an accountant. He has snakes for feet.

[Wetdryvac Wetdryvac · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating bit of work I nabbed for the art, and hang on to for the bizarre. Dictionary/encyclopedia sort of a thing, so not a straight read-through, but fascinating, and useful as a tool should one ever run across historical references.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically, this book is a collection of early (sort of) classic illustrations of demons. Most people won't find it necessarily worth buying -- it's going to sit on a shelf. But if you're an Art students, I think you'd find it rather useful.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wondrous imagery - a great classic

[Jacinto Barbeira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engraçado, mas torna-se aborrecido rapidamente

[Morcys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and extensive collection of names and concise information on demons and terms related to demonology

[Recensioni in tre parole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Superstizioso. Dispersivo. Ingenuo.

[Victor Henrique · Rating 3 out of 5]

J. Collin de Plancy's "Dictionnaire Infernal" is a comprehensive guide to the world of demonology, exploring the beliefs and superstitions surrounding demons and evil spirits from the Middle Ages. The author provides an in-depth examination of the various names, descriptions, and attributes of demons, drawing on a wide range of historical and cultural sources such as folklore, literature, and religious texts.

One of the book's strengths is its extensive research, which provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the subject. The author's writing is clear and engaging, making the book accessible to a variety of readers with an interest in history, religion, and the occult.

This work offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of beliefs about the supernatural, including the changing attitudes towards demons and evil spirits over time. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the world of demonology and the beliefs and practices associated with it.

In conclusion, "Dictionnaire Infernal" by J. Collin de Plancy is a comprehensive and insightful examination of the world of demonology and the beliefs and superstitions surrounding demons and evil spirits from the Middle Ages. With its extensive research, clear writing, and engaging approach, this book provides a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the history and evolution of beliefs about the supernatural. The author's critical examination of the changing attitudes towards demons and evil spirits over time offers a unique perspective on the subject, making this book a must-read for anyone with an interest in the history and evolution of beliefs about the supernatural.

[Signor Mambrino · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wondering about the differences between this and the similarly titled and covered "Dictionary of Witchcraft?

Read my full review and be satisfied.

[kelly kress · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of Money

I wish I could give less than one star. This is not a true copy but simply a poor annotation of some of the drawings from the original book. Takes less than 20 minutes to get through it. Not helpful. Just get the hardcopy and save your $5 .00.

[Maxtor · Rating 5 out of 5]

EDICION FACSIMIL. EDITORIAL MAXTOR.

Para adquirir este t

[Thomas Dewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Would return it if I could

Not worth the 2 dollars. Would return it if it was at all possible! Lacking content and context. This reveiw will take you longer to read

[Corissa Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not bad

Pretty good short read but it could have had more explanation on how the hierarchy works. I would recommend it.

[Anne Lydolf · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pictures were interesting but a lot of the descriptions were very short with often random, unexplained and unconnected facts.

[Joe List · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to demonology.

It’s not going to get Into specifics but it gives you a nice overview of what to expect with engaging illustrations.