Asmodeus; Or, the Devil on Two Sticks

Alain Rene Le Sage; Jules Gabriel Janin; Joseph Thomas

Published by Joseph Thomas, London, 1841

The first translated edition of Alain Rene Le Sage's Asmodeus, illustrated throughout by Tony Johannot. With a Biographical Notice of the Author, by Jules Janin. Asmodeus or Ashmedai is a king of demons mostly known from the deutero-canonical Book of Tobit, in which he is the primary antagonist. The demon is also mentioned in some Talmudic legends, for instance, in the story of the construction of the Temple of Solomon. He was supposed by some Renaissance Christians to be the King of the Nine Hells. Asmodeus was widely depicted as having a handsome visage, good manners and an engaging nature; however, he was also portrayed as walking with a limp and one leg was either clawed or that of a rooster. He walks aided by two walking sticks in Lesage's work, and this gave rise to the English title The Devil on Two Sticks (also later translated The Limping Devil and The Lame Devil). Lesage attributes his lameness to falling from the sky after fighting with another devil. Rebound in a half calf binding with marbled boards. Externally, a little rubbed, with some light wear to the extremities. Internally, firmly bound, bright and mostly clean throughout. Some light spotting, predominantly to the first and last leaves, as well as light marginal tide marks to the first three pages. Very Good. Seller Inventory # LTH22-C-9

Bibliographic Details

Title: Asmodeus; Or, the Devil on Two Sticks
Publisher: Joseph Thomas, London
Publication Date: 1841
Binding: Leather
Illustrator: Tony Johannot
Condition: Very Good
Edition: First edition.
Book Type: book