The Devils of Loudun: A True Story of Demonic Possession

Aldous Huxley

Aug 2017 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davies

About this audiobook

In 1632 an entire convent in the small French village of Loudun was apparently possessed by the devil. After a sensational and celebrated trial, the convent's charismatic priest Urban Grandier-accused of spiritually and sexually seducing the nuns in his charge-was convicted of being in league with Satan. Then he was burned at the stake for witchcraft. A remarkable true story of religious and sexual obsession, The Devils of Loudon is considered by many to be Brave New World author Aldous Huxley's nonfiction masterpiece.

Ratings and reviews

So much of this book deals with boring details about the early catholic and "Jesuit" church activities. Also there is much boring unrelated tomfoolery between Tranquille and Urbain Grandier that is unnecessary. It's enough to mention the animosities and to relate that they basically came about because the parson was an unashamed ladies man. And that fact only need be mentioned because of the sexual nature of the nuns behavior when possessed. All the details about the petty reprisals each priest begat on the other one (before the possessions began) seems like it's there to fill the book out, or gratify the 19th century peasantry. The word demon isn't even mentioned until 31/2 hours in.The worst part is that against all evidence, Huxley claims that the possessions we're a hoax. The book claims to be an account of demonic possession (on the cover), yet the author claims it was all a hoax. If it was a hoax, why did one of the exorcists become insane at the end of the ceremony? zero stars

Brilliant historical account of the Loudun Possessions. The book, carefully and accurately recreates the provincial town of Loudun in the 17th century. Not only in its outward aspects but also in its cultural, social and psychological dimensions. It's one of the best of Huxley’s books although it is lesser known. Entertaining, but more importantly illuminating into human psychology, mysticism, religious experience and politics.

About the author

Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) is the author of the classic novels Brave New World, Eyeless in Gaza, and The Genius and the Goddess, as well as such critically acclaimed nonfiction works as The Devils of Loudun, The Perennial Philosophy, and The Doors of Perception.

Matthew Lloyd Davies is a veteran actor, audiobook narrator, and director. Throughout his acting career, he has made regular appearances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal National Theatre, in the West End, on international tours, and in award-winning television shows and films.