Cloven Country: The Devil and the English Landscape

The English landscape is said to be the Devils work, as depicted in Cloven Country, where rocks are hurled into place and valleys carved out by infernal labor. This is not the Satan of prayer, but a clumsy ogre who can be outwitted by humankind.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2023
Publisher: Reaktion Books

The English landscape, often perceived as serene and tranquil, is, in fact, the creation of the Devil. In his book "Cloven Country," author John Cowper Powys explores the mythological origins of this belief, revealing that the landscape was shaped through supernatural forces. The Devil, known as the "Cloven One," was said to possess immense strength, capable of carving out valleys and laying down vast roads in a single night. As he walked on the scorching hot stone, it melted beneath his feet, leaving behind scars that marked his destructive path. This portrayal of the Devil differs from the traditional image of a prayerful and malevolent entity, instead portraying him as a clumsy ogre easily tricked by humanity.

In the tales told by Powys, clever individuals such as smart cobblers and cunning young wives would outwit the Devil and strike a blow for the underdog. They would challenge his authority and expose his deceitful ways, ultimately triumphing over him. However, there were some who were beyond redemption, such as the wicked squire and grasping merchant, who were carried off by a black huntsman during a storm.

"Cloven Country" serves as a reminder that the seemingly peaceful and picturesque landscapes we encounter may be hiding a darker and more mysterious side. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and explore the deeper roots of our cultural and historical beliefs, as well as the forces that shape the world around us.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789148336