The Three Devils: Luther's, Milton's, and Goethe's gathers a series of literary and historical essays by the Scottish scholar David Masson examining how the figure of the Devil appears in the writings of Martin Luther, John Milton and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Masson explores the contrasting portrayals of the demonic in these influential authors, using them to reflect on theology, literature and intellectual history. Written with the learning and clarity for which Masson was well known, the volume also includes additional essays on related literary themes. First published in 1874, the work represents an engaging example of Victorian literary criticism applied to some of the most enduring figures in European thought. The Three Devils; Luther's, Miltons, and Goethe's, with Other Essays, by David Masson. Published by Macmillan and Co., London, 1874. First edition. A near fine hardback with red leather spine and corners with gilt rules, and red cloth over boards. The spine features tooled gilt decoration, raised bands and gilt titles. Marbled endpapers with gilt top edge. Some minor marks to leather. Text is bright and clean throughout. Some spotting to vertical edge of text block. Previous owner's name and date inscription to blank free endpaper. A smart volume indeed. Text in English. Prelims + 327pp. Dimensions: approx 190mm high x 136mm wide x 29mm deep.  Weight: approximately 628g (unpacked).