Demonology and Devil Lore is a work on demonology which analyzes how different cultures and religions have interpreted demons and devil along history. The author's survey of myths, folktales, superstitions and rituals across cultures is very methodical. Each topic is thoroughly researched and it is explained how a certain theme is viewed in demonic myths throughout the world. The book is a kind of a treatise on the historical development of the idea of Evil.

Moncure D. Conway was at various times a Methodist, Unitarian, and a Freethinker. After leaving Methodist church Conway continued his spiritual journey. He met Ralph Waldo Emerson and fell under the influence of Transcendentalism, as well as became an outspoken abolitionist. He wrote biographies of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Thomas Paine.