Aldous Huxley’s 1952 book The Devils of Loudun is an account of an infamous case of mass demonic possession in 17th Century France. The book takes a skeptical look at the history, examining the actual events and subsequent trial and execution of a priest, Urbain Grandier. The event was popularized in Aldous Huxley’s 1952 novel and has also become known through two later film adaptations, Ken Russell’s 1969 film The Devils, and John Damon’s 1982 miniseries Church of the Devils.
The Devils of Loudun follows the life of Father Urbain Grandier, a priest in the small town of Loudun in central France. Grandier was a very popular in the region, known for his piety and honor. He was even courted by the Royal court of Louis XIII, and became the object of many young women’s affections. Grandier’s star began to dim when he became the target of hatred by some of the townspeople, and they accused him of sorcery and witchcraft.
The charges were brought forward by Jean de Laubardemont, the commissioner of Cardinal Richelieu and governor of Loudun. Laubardemont had a personal grudge against Grandier and called together Grandier’s accusers, including four convent nuns of the convent of Loudun. The nuns claimed to have been possessed by an evil spirit, naming Grandier as the diabolical figure responsible for their possession. Grandier was eventually put on trial and, after a controversial trial and allegations of torture, he was found guilty of practicing the dark arts and was burned at the stake in 1634.
To this day, it remains uncertain whether Grandier was actually guilty of the charges against him. Aldous Huxley uses archival evidence, historical records, and literary analysis to examine the troubling case from centuries ago and draw conclusions on the subject of demonic scourging and mass hysteria. He acknowledges that cases of demonic possession are complex, and the Inquisitors of this case were largely guided by superstition and intolerance. He is convinced that, if nothing else, Grandier was a victim of a grave miscarriage of justice.
In addition to looking closely at the trial and its implications, The Devils of Loudun also serves as a comprehensive overview of the cultural and political circumstances of the times. Huxley looks closely at many aspects of 17th century life, including superstitions, religious movements, science, and royal politics. He also examines theories of psychology and psychiatry, suggesting that the symptoms exhibited by the nuns could be more closely linked to psychological disturbances than to demonic possession.
The Devils of Loudun is a fascinating and complex work of historical research and analysis. It provides a comprehensive account of a tragic event and its surrounding circumstances, as well as a closer look at life in 17th Century France. Anyone interested in true crime, religious history, or European history should consider reading this important work.
