Author Description

The Devils of Loudun is a historical narrative of supposed demonic possession, religious fanaticism, sexual repression & mass hysteria which occurred in 17th century France surrounding unexplained events that took place in the small town of Loudun; particularly on Roman Catholic priest Urbain Grandier & a convent of Ursuline nuns, who allegedly became possessed by demons after Grandier made a pact with Satan. The events led to several public exorcisms as well as executions by burning. The book, tho less known than Huxley's other novels is widely considered one of his best.Urbain Grandier was burned at the stake at Loudun on 8/18/1634. He was accused of seducing an entire convent of Ursuline nuns & of serving the devil. Grandier was probably too promiscuous & too insolent to peers. He'd antagonised the Mother Superior, Sister Jeanne of the Angels, when he rejected her offer to become spiritual advisor to the convent. He faced an ecclesiastical tribunal & was acquitted. It was only after he had publicly spoken against Cardinal Richelieu that a new trial was ordered by the Cardinal. He was tortured, found guilty & executed by being burnt alive but never admitted guilt. Huxley touches on aspects of the multiple personality controversy in cases of apparent demonic possession.