Demons: Encounters with the Devil and His Minions, Fallen Angels, and the Possessed Paperback – September 21, 2011

This anthology gives a great range of stories, both by well-known authors and not so well known, that gives both metaphorical and literal versions of the demonic. In the horror industry there is a lot of blatant, gory evil associated with demons and the demonic, but what some people forget is that demons are much more insidious than that and lot more real than one would think. John Skipp presents the anthology with the simple truth that demons, out of all the monsters in horror, are more "real" to humanity because of what they represent, sin and the fear of God still prevalent in society. Even with or without religion one can see that there is a distinct duality in human nature that is constantly at war. We see that war being fought literally in an excerpt of The Exorcist and in Best Friends, and then in Skipp's own short story Empathy one get's a glimpse of the invisible war inside a person. From the first story Cherub I was hooked by the imagination and realization of the manifestations of human flaws and sin through the supernatural or by delusion and guilt of the unconscious mind. I have yet to encounter an anthology this well-rounded on this topic, and I have enjoyed it immensely for it has showed me a thing or two about the developing perception of the demonic and human nature.

I am an avid and serious reader of the macabre, and horror fiction; and I can tell you without hesitation that Demons is one of the best anthologies I have ever read. The stories are among some of the most imaginative and disturbing of current literature. Others are beautifully evocative, making one reexamine what is perceived as evil. This book now has a spot in the "Don't sell these when I'm dead" bookcase: the collection of books I want handed down to the next generation and not at a yard sale! In fact, this purchase is my second copy, as I plan on giving it to my attorney son, with whom I have had many a discussion about the cultural relativity of evil! Buy the book, turn off the phone, and find yourself a comfy chair and begin reading. Just ignore the little hairs on the back of your neck, rising up in alarm. I'm sure that noise you hear outside is just the cat. Enjoy!

This would be rated higher but the editor John Skipp chose several stories that were sexually graphic and a departure from his demonic theme. Take those out and I would rate this higher. Also Skipp included a story he had written. Let's just say he is a far better editor than he is an author.

One of the best horror collections i have read in a really long time, riveting!

I highly recommend this very good anthology. A great selection of stories! A must have for your your personal library.

This is growing to be one of my favorite collections... It is very dark and very awesome ! Get it !!!!

Can't wait to read it cover to cover

i was not happy with this book,but i was looking for information on fighting against demons not fighting for demons

Pretty great collection of demonic tales. I was blown away by 'And Love Shall Have No Dominion' by Livia Llewellyn, 'The Howling Man' by Charles Beaumont, 'Scars in Progress' by Brian Hodge, and the lighter, but memorable 'The Unicorn Hunter' by Alethea Kontis.