Seven Footprints To Satan (Creation Oneiros Scorpionic)

A. Merritt's Seven Footprints To Satan (1927) is a classic novel of exotic mystery with supernatural overtones, in which Satan is an obese criminal mastermind of monstrous appetites -- and the evil genius to satisfy them. When art-thief and gambler Jim Markham falls foul of this Oriental beast, he must undergo the ordeal of the seven footprints in order to avoid slavery or death. If he fails, he will be forced to carry out Satan's demonic bidding for the next year of his life. Merritt's Satan remains one of the most memorable super-villains in pulp literature, and the complexity which the author endows his creation raises him, and the book, far above the standards of ordinary escapist literature. This new edition of Seven Footprints To Satan also includes the bonus of Merritt's first published story, Through The Dragon Glass (1917), another ghoulish evocation of Yellow Menace devilry. Seven Footprints To Satan was filmed in 1928 by Danish director Benjamin Christensen, whose previous work included the classic witchcraft film Haxan.

About the Author

Abraham Grace Merritt (January 20, 1884 - August 21, 1943), known by his byline, A. Merritt, was an American editor and author of works of fantastic fiction. One of the best-paid journalists of his era, Merritt made $25,000 per year by 1919, and at the end of his life was earning $100,000 yearly -- exceptional sums for the period. His financial success allowed him to pursue world travel and exotic hobbies, like cultivating orchids and plants linked to witchcraft and black magic. His other novels include Burn, Witch, Burn (1932), which was filmed as The Devil-Doll by Tod Browning.

Reviews

News