The Devil's Elixirs

¶ Supernatural tale of a monk who discovers an elixir of the Devil, which he drinks. A complex Gothic tale of personality exchange, doubles, murder, etc. "A truly fascinating work" - E.F. Bleiler.

First published in German in 1816, the first edition in English was 1824; this edition is a superior translation and is the preferred text.

The son of a heinous sinner, Medardus is brought up in a monastery to atone for his father’s wicked ways. After succumbing to temptation, however, Medardus himself is lured into a life of sin, and he embarks upon a fantastical journey in which he meets his doppelganger, involves himself in a game of double impersonation, and becomes embroiled in murderous intrigues at the Vatican. First published in 1815, this is a macabre masterpiece of German literature.

This is a pre-ISBN book.