Rating: 
Summary: Excelent
Review: A fine work in an often overlooked field(I would point to the works of Ed and Lorraine Warren as well as Malachi Martin for furhter reading from informed sources from the Catholic tradition). I don't entirely agree with Father Armothe some of his conclusions are based on a some what flawed understanding of non christian traditions and an overly persumptious oppinion that older forms of exorcism are ineffective(every religion in mans history has had a form of exorcism after all). Some of the other problems are more of a question of focus. As a student demonologist I have a some what different perspective then an exorcist(for those who don't know no they are not the same thing). Most demonologists see infestation, oppression, etc as stages of an attack instead of individual forms of attack. Also a host of pretenatural occurances considerably more dramatic then what he describes are common to a lot of demonic activity. I suspect that Father Armothe is well aware of this second fact and(wisely in my oppinion) decided to shy away from more dramatic cases to avoid the sensationalism that is often demanded by modern publishers. In the end its a sober and inteligent work and very much worth the time to read.
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: Father Amorth is surely a hero of our time and performs an invaluable service to all that he helps. This is a well written book. It informs and it frankly scares, but I believe of the exsistence of these evil creatures that he calls demons!
Very interesting book and I hope he continues to write more of his experiences.
Rating: 
Summary: A Prominent Roman Catholic Exorcist Confers Hard-won Truths!
Review: Fr. Gabriele Amorth's portrait of demonic possession and exorcism casts detailed light on this dark area of inquiry which is fraught--more often than not--with controversy and misunderstanding.Though less poetic or descriptively-gripping than the late Fr. Malachi Martin's classic study on the topic HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL, Fr. Amorth's book manages to patch up some of the existing knowledge gaps left in the wake of several other pertinent works like Dr. M. Scott Peck's THE PEOPLE OF THE LIE (a psychiatrist's view of evil based on the case histories of his patients), and Bob Larson's IN THE NAME OF SATAN (Tales of a Protestant exorcist). Fr. Amorth covers critical, new ground by exposing the dangers of Magic and Sorcery (namely spells, hexes, incantations, and curses) and their ability to adversely affect an individual psychologically, physically, and spiritually, even to the point of inducing demonic possession. Conversely, Fr. Amorth details the various remedies that the Catholic Church offers to the afflicted--in the form of Sacramentals--such as blessed oil, water, and salt, which can be effectively applied--in conjunction with the solemn rite of exorcism--to facilitate an easier and quicker liberation from the fetters of and attachments to the Devil. Examination is also given to those tell tale, mental and physical signs (Fr. Amorth calls them 'negativities') that often confirm the presence of a possessing demon. Attention is paid to the various forms of bizarre behavior that unfortunate victims of possession exhibit--both prior to and during an exorcism--and how these capital signs authenticate the source of existential torment as evil spirit, and not merely psychophysical malady as the genesis of their suffering. The author effectively concludes the book with a look at the new attitude (pastoral directives) of Vatican II toward possession, demons, and--as Fr. Amorth says--'the influence that they can exert on single individuals, on communities, on entire societies, or on events,...(as)...very important...for Catholic doctrine.' And how, by calling attention to the ever-present danger posed by these evil entities, the Catholic Church can better assert itself--in the name of Jesus--as the leading organization with the designated spiritual authority to most effectively route the wickedness and snares of the Devil. In the final analysis, Fr. Amorth's straight-forward, no frills, 'meat and potatos' examination of demonic possession and exorcism succeeds where other fail, providing a terra firma of understanding and solid addition to anyone's private library on the topic.
Rating:
Summary: A Battle-seasoned, Veteran Exorcist Confers Hard-won Truths!
Review: Fr. Gabriele Amorth's revealing portrait of demonic possession and exorcism casts detailed, spiritual light on this dark area of inquiry which is fraught--more often than not--with controversy and misunderstanding. It also supplements other pertinent texts such as Father Malachi Martin's classic study HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL, and Bob Larson's IN THE NAME OF SATAN. Fr. Amorth covers critical ground by exposing the dangers of magic and sorcery (namely spells, hexes, incantations and curses) and their ability to adversely effect a recipient individual psychologically, physically, and spiritually, even to the point of inducing demonic possession. Conversely, he details the various remedies that the Church offers to the afflicted--in the form of Sacramentals--such as blessed oil, water, and salt, that can supplement the solemn rite of exorcism, ensuring an easier liberation from the fetters of and shackles to the Devil. He also examines those tell-tale, mental and physical signs (he calls them 'negativities') that often confirm the presence of a possessing demon. Attention is also paid to the numerous forms of bizarre behaviour that the unfortunate victims of possession exhibit--both prior to and during an exorcism--and how these capital signs authenticate the source of their existential torment as evil spirit, and not merely psychophysical malady as the genesis. The author effectively concludes the book with a look at the new attitude (pastoral directives) of Vatican II toward possession, demons and--as the good Father says--'...the influence that they can exert on single individuals, on communities, on entire societies, or on events...(as)...very important... In the final analysis, Fr. Amorth's objective, straight-forward presentation of the complexities of demonic possession and exorcism facilitates a terra firma of understanding--partially unravelling the ageless mystery of good versus evil--thereby, providing a solid addition to anyone's private library on the topic.
Rating:
Summary: One of the few educated writers of this subject
Review: I borrowed this book off my brother and read it in two days. It is very good and well written. Fr Amorth could easily have taken the more sensationalistic route. Instead he also explores and challenges some conventional religious theories and explains these very well. His role is first and foremost a ministry, and an important one. The case studies that he refers to are all very interesting. But more interesting than this is the importance of leading a spiritual life. Some of the sacraments actually are akin to exorcism, going to confession, taking communion and baptism for example. He cites scripture to challenge and clarify some common perceptions. Topics include: why the world and humankind was created, predestiny and freedom of choice, why bad things happen to good people, if God has ultimate control then doesn't everything happen with his permission. I had always struggled with the issue of predestiny until I read this book. It is finally explained to my satisfaction. He has divided devilish interference into several categories. The most interesting to me were oppression which I did not even realise on a conscious level, and extraordinary activity. For example, if you are subject to oppressive or negative thoughts or obsess about a person or situation, these may be signs of oppression. There are several great prayers in this book to help you deal with these issues. I was expecting to read about a subject which I was curious about, but it relates to everybody's experience with the ordinary and extraordinary challenges we face as we try to lead exemplary lives. This is a very important book which I would recommend to anyone interested in spiritual themes and not just people interested only in this subject matter.
Rating:
Summary: A Worthy Read for Anyone Interested in Theology
Review: I was quite astonished to find this book. Much of what is told about demons and such comes from Hollywood or other money-motivated media. However this book is written by a Catholic priest who has very good knowledge and respect for (Catholic) theology. In my own studies and search for information on this subject I have encountered similar obstacles to those mentioned in other reviews. Many Western priest and pastors simply do not believe in demons or possession anymore. This reminds me of the old saying, "greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince the world he doesn't exist". This book was very helpful with my research and provided excellent first-hand insight. I would like to add a word of caution though, as mentioned in the introduction, this is a book which should be read with caution, by those with a solid theological foundation. It is tempting to read too much into it, or be overwhelmed by the content. Be sure to read the first few chapter first before diving into the 'scary' stuff. You may have questions after reading this book which would best be directed to your local priest or pastor. Happy Reading.
Rating:
Summary: "A Much-Needed Work on a Controversial Subject"
Review: One of Rome's primary exorcists, Father Gabriele Amorth, has written a much-needed work upon the unique, controversial, and highly debated subject of diabolic possession. In "An Exorcist Tells His Story," Amorth's aim is to stress the crying demand for the Catholic Church to cultivate a greater awareness of the concrete reality of evil in our world today. He emphasizes the need for the Church to further elaborate and clarify on its teachings about diabolic possession. He also provides useful information concerning exorcisms, based upon his own personal experience, from his contemporary correspondents, and from the testimonies of others. This information contains rudiments of the Rite of Exorcism, personal prayers of deliverance, tips on how to avoid evil influences and how to discern the symptoms of possession, and on who or what may be afflicted by evil. This is a great resource tool for anyone interested or intrigued by the two-thousand-year-old Rite of Exorcism. For further research, see Father Amorth's "An Exorcist: More Stories."
Rating:
Summary: Helpfull and precise
Review: This book was published in Italy, for the first time, 14 years ago and was straight a best seller. In fact, the problem of devil's influence in human life was never threated with so much competence. There are many demonologists' books, but a theologist is not an exorcist and he doesn't have any direct experience with the devil. Father Amorth has this experience. The book helped many many people in my country and abroad. I suggest it to anyone who is wondering "why?" and to any Christian
Rating:
Summary: Must Read for everybody...
Review: This book was read over table in our Seminary (Catholic). The book dispelled a lot of our misconceptions and misunderstanding about the ministry of exorcism. It gave us a practical everyday guide of why; where; when; who; and how about the subject. A must read for everybody - especially good for the skeptics.
Rating:
Summary: Important book
Review: When C.S. Lewis wrote "The Screwtape Letters" he wrote an extraordinary and literary account of Satan and his minions ordinary daily activity: temptation. Thus, temptation is with us all, every day. However, as the Bible and tradition teach us, occasionally, when the Lord allows them for the good of salvation, the Devil and Demons involve themselves in extraordinary activity. This activity includes, but is not limited to, Demonic Possession. In this important book, and it's even better sequel "An Exorcist: More Stories" Fr. Amorth systematically outlines, defines, and explains this extraordinary demonic activity in an easy to read, yet scholarly way. After reading this book, I was more convinced than ever that regular prayer and frequent reception of the sacraments (especially The Eucharist and Confession) are incredibly important. However, as other reviewers have noted, this book is not an effective "apology." If you do not believe in Satan, or evil, this book is not likely to convince you. For that I recommend starting with Lewis (Mere Christianity, Screwtape, etc.) and then moving on from there. This book is highly recommended. For Christian warriors, knowing how the enemy works is a singular advantage.
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