Devil worship : The sacred books and traditions of the Yezidiz

A careful translation of two rare Yezidi manuscripts, this volume opens a window onto a faith often misunderstood by the outside world. The editor recounts how the Arabic texts—known as the Book of Revelation and the Black Book—were handed over in Mosul, then renders their verses and prayers in clear English, preserving the original tone and structure. Readers are introduced to the enigmatic figure of Šeiḫ ‘Adî, who claims to have spoken with the divine before creation, and to the cosmology that links the Yezidis to ancient angelic hierarchies.

Beyond the translations, the work offers a concise survey of Yezidi beliefs, rituals, and social organization as they appear in the manuscripts. It examines how the community’s sacred narratives intersect with surrounding Christian, Islamic, and pagan traditions, while also noting the perspectives of early Western orientalist scholars. The result is a balanced, scholarly portrait that invites listeners to explore a distinct religious worldview without venturing beyond its foundational texts.