Hell: The People and Places

Hell is a grotesque demimonde in literature, cultures, religions, and folklore, guarded by evil spirits and divided into levels of damnation. Steven Heller and Seymour Chwast guide readers through the Jewish Gehenna, Sunni Jahannam, Swahili hell, and Mayan myth of Xibalba, with chillingly hilarious graphic art and illuminating content.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Chronicle Books

A captivating exploration into the diverse realms of hell and its torturous iterations across literature, religions, cultures, and folklore unfolds, adorned with stunning illustrations and complemented by insightful writing on the origins and intricacies of each hell. Whether it exists as a tangible reality, a human creation, an idea, or a superstition, hell has been a hauntingly grotesque demimonde throughout history, captivating the minds of writers, cultures, religions, and folklore enthusiasts alike. Within this vast tapestry of horrors, countless different hells await discovery, each offering its own unique and harrowing experience. However, they all share a common thread: they are terrifying realms presided over by malevolent spirits, where punishment is meticulously divided into various levels of damnation.

For those daring souls who seek to embark on this perilous journey beyond the confines of the underworld, Steven Heller and Seymour Chwast serve as your guides. Drawing inspiration from Dante's epic voyage alongside Virgil in "Inferno," they lead you through the scorching or icy depths of the human imagination, encompassing the Jewish Gehenna, the Sunni Jahannam, the Swahili hell, the Mayan myth of Xibalba, and numerous other chilling realms. Along the way, you will encounter a host of characters who have either created, visited, or endured unfortunate descents into these hellish domains, each with their own unique story to tell.

This captivating exploration is equally appealing to fans of Dante's "Inferno," the idyllic paradise of "The Good Place," and the darkly humorous world of Edward Gorey. "Hell" presents a delectable feast of chillingly hilarious graphic art and illuminating content that delves deep into the multifaceted depths of the underworld. Whether you are a seasoned explorer of the literary hellscape or a newcomer seeking to venture into uncharted territories, this book offers a comprehensive and captivating journey into the realm of darkness and its myriad manifestations. So, prepare to be transported to a world of horror, despair, and unimaginable suffering as you delve into the captivating tales of hell and its inhabitants.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 154 x 217 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781797225616