Ed Simon Takes on Satan: The Devil Is in the Details.

This article examines Ed Simon’s exploration of the figure of Satan and related religious symbolism through his recent works, including *Pandemonium: A Visual History of Demonology* (2022), *Elysium: A Visual History of Angelology* (2023), and *Devil’s Contract: The History of the Faustian Bargain* (2024). Simon investigates the evolving cultural, theological, and literary meanings of angels, demons, and the devil across history and their relevance in contemporary society, politics, and art. The discussion situates Simon’s work within broader religious traditions, contrasting Christian binary views of good and evil with Judaism’s emphasis on doubt, questioning, and moral complexity, including concepts like the dybbuk and kabbalah. The article also connects Simon’s themes to modern issues such as authoritarian politics, cultural production, and environmental crisis, concluding with a reflection on human agency in confronting these challenges.