I've read from time to time many books on this subject and this and Fr. Amorth's other book are perhaps the most in-depth and detailed of any written. No fluff here...solid material and riveting. I also highly recommend
Donald Omand's book Experiences of a Present Day Exorcist but it is out of print.

What I thought would be a scary book, instead strengthened my faith and gave me new insight. Instead of promoting fear, it inspires hope and strength. Powerful deliverance prayers for lay people included as well. Fr. Amorth really tells it like it is and lets people know how to protect themselves. Would like to see more Priests and Ministers alike stand up like this. Found out more about the real reason for the Bible in the first 47 pages than I've realized in 59 years. Don't be afraid to buy this book...it's terrific!

This book needs courage to read, not because of featuring the art and science of diabolical possession but the challenge it will provoke. Possession is one of the controversial subjects that often cross boarders of theology and psychology, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID); the former name of multiple or split personality disorder as science may call it. Author Fr. Gabriel Amorth has the cure for this problem whether it is supernatural or psychological. Reading through the book, one will find that Fr. Amorth, an erudite scholar and humble priest; a great fidei defensor, show us the workings of evil and its tentacles on human souls. His words will challenge us, and we can either accept or reject his views but one can never simply ignore the impact these pages going to make. Fr. Gabriele is the senior exorcist of Roman Catholic Church. He became an official Vatican exorcist in June 1986 under the tutelage of Father Candido Amantini. In 1990, he founded the International Association of Exorcists and was president until he retired, at 75, in the year 2000 and became the honorary president for life of the association. This book is his memoir and experiences. A great read for anyone interested in demonology, abnormal psychology and possession.

I truly loved this book and this very great Priest. This "An Exorcist Tells his Story" gives the most clear and concise explanation of evil and the works of Satan without being sensational. Firstly Gabriel Amorth is a very intelligent man and a superb writer you will appreciate his style of writing he is a terrific writer without being pretentious, he is not one of those fake intellectuals. I learned much, it gave me a deeper understanding of my faith and the vital importance of The Catholic Church in this age. I am not a superstitious person, but I do believe in what the Church teaches on Satan and evil. I was very impressed with the great faith of this man and he seems to practice his Priesthood like a very great doctor and surgeon. The scientific and religious become one. Some of the answers given by people possesed were very interesting on Hell & the disbelief in God. Gabriel Amorth is a hero in an age that has so few. I believe that everyone should read this book even if you are not a Catholic. It is a Shame that many Priest are not aware of the great Power they have been given by Christ through his Church. When a Priest Exorcises someone possessed with the power of The Roman Catholic Church they cannot fail. Faith is the key. Christ built his Church on a Rock and the gates Of Hell will not prevail upon it. I wish more Priest had the Faith of Gabriel Amorth and the great love that exist in his heart.

If you have any interest in the Rite of Exorcism as practiced by the Roman Catholic Church, then this book is a definite "must have"! It should be required reading for all priests and seminarians in the Church.



In the book, Fr. Amorth laments that many priests and bishops no longer believe in Satan or demons, and yet they do exist. Throughout the book, he gives example after example of how evil spirits and curses have afflicted peoples' lives, and how he was able to cast them out and produce cures using the Rite of Exorcism.



The Rite of Exorcism can only be performed by bishops, or by priests appointed by the bishop to act in his place. Fr. Amorth makes it very clear that at least in the Catholic church, only priests and bishops, and then only with a bishop's permission, can the Rite of Exorcism be performed. Nevertheless, he does acknowledge that lay people may pray for deliverance in the Catholic church, and that Protestant deliverance can be just as effective in exorcising spirits from people.



The book is very information and down to Earth. It is not sensationalized or dramatized, but presents a very real picture of the power the devil can have in our lives, and the power of Jesus over the devil and his demons. Fr. Amorth calls all people to prayer, and calls on all bishops to appoint at least one exorcist, so that the tradition can be revived and passed on.

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I found this book very informative on the subject of excorism's as a minster that is non demoninatioal this book was a conformation to me on how the Lord has led me in this area. Although I did not agree on some doctorial issues I would recommen this book as a starting point for all ministers that are interested or that have been placed in the role of an excorist or know someone who has.

This book was written by an Italian priest who has held a very high position in Rome as an exorcist. If you are interested in exorcisms and demonic possession this seems to be a credible source that is not sensationalized. Although the book is written mainly as an instuctional book for other clergy, and did not include as many true incidents during exorcisms as I would have liked, it was still interesting to read. The follow-up book 'An Exorcist: More Stories' is very similar in content.

Rev. Gabriel Amorth is the chief exorcist of the six exorcists that are currently assigned by the Pope to work in Rome, Italy. And he has written stories about his more than twenty years experience as an exorcist. The central question of "An Exorcists Tells His Story" is whether some people need an exorcist? This is a very good question since some people experience pain and confusion that might not have a medical explanation.

Fr. Amorth teaches us that there are three signs of demonic manifestations: "talking in unknown languages, exhibiting superhuman strength, and knowing what is hidden" (p. 46). His advice for a person with one or more of the three symptoms is to visit a priest who appreciates his "power of exorcism". Of course, finding a such a priest is difficult since many "are afraid of reprisal" and retaliation by the devil (p. 67).

Amorth's twenty years of work with over 50 thousand troubled individuals have given him unique insights into spiritual topics, such as, what is hell like? "And this was the answer... Down there everyone lives folded within himself and torn apart by his regrets. There is not relationship with anyone" (p.76). Self absorbed, lacking relationships and filled with regrets? That's the best desricption of hell that I've heard and certainly worth the price of the book.

Amorth's preparation as an exorcist began in June 1986 when Cardinal Poletti, the Vicar of Rome, asked him to work with the one exorcist of Rome, Fr. Candido Amantini, who was retiring. Fr. Candido writes an excellent Foreward to Amorth's book and says, "Often the victims of an evil spirit believe that they are persecuted by bad luck. They see their life as a series of misfortunes" (p. 11). We all tend to thing we have a series of bad days and the value of Amorth's book is to help us determine whether we should see a doctor or an appreciative priest. Amorth tells us what to say if we suspect an evil spirit: "I say, 'My guardian angel watches over me so that I won't be touched" (p. 96).

I highly recommend Amorth's "An Exorcist Tells His Story" for any person who wonders whether an evil spirit is affecting his or her life negatively. Amorth lists the five areas where demonic activity takes place: "health, business, affections, enjoyment of life, and desire for death" (p. 80). Amorth repeats throughout the book the genuine solution to the spiritual problem with these five areas. He writes, "In all cases the cure is the same: prayer, fasting, the sacraments, charity and exorcisms" (p. 80).

This is going to become a classic and a fundemental reading.
This books is a complete overview of the complex subject of exorcism and the evil/demonic presence in the World. Fr.Amorth's treaty covers the whole issue with such clarity that he can make even the hardest thing simple to understand, so that this text is suitable for both experts in search for guidance and people who just start to be curious; but it is especially useful to those people who do have a certain familiarity with the subject but need a deeper, trustworthy and accessible education.
Fr. Amorth keeps his treaty balanced and rational. He is respectful of science and although what he writes is obviously catholic based, it is going to make sense to whoever thinks that evil beings do exist, independently from the religious or spiritual background of the reader.

I agree with the other positive reviews on this book. I believed people could be possessed by demons even before I read this book, but even more-so now. I liked how the author explained the basic concepts of diabolical possession, obsession, and opression. I was horrified several times during the book, realizing that I had many of the symptoms for diabolical opression, and the fact that my family has been in conflict for several years now. I am still somewhat weary to go to a priest and ask for advice because of the fact that the book pointed out: many priests don't believe in diabolical forces anymore. Very moving work and made me realize I need a stronger spiritual life.

I will start by saying that, to my surprise, my U.S. edition of this book did not contain an imprimatur or a nihil obstat. [The original Italian Language book may have had them, I do not know]. Also, the introduction by Fr. Benedict Groeshel is.... shall we say "less than enthusiastic". I had some trepidation beginning the book based on these two things.

However, what I found inside was an extremely interesting book that did not conflict with Catholic teaching as far as I could discern.

In fact, Father Amorth gives a very concise and clear explanation of the nature of the Devil and his demons - both the history, the Biblical origins, and how they affect us still today. I have never seen any better explanation of Satan and how he works in the world even now.

Father Amorth's discussion of his job as an Exorcist [Chief Exorcist for Rome] and his experiences as such were very interesting. They certainly served to reinforce the idea of staying far away from anything that could drag you into bondage or oppression by Satan or his demons.

His explanation of why it is important to avoid things of the occult and "new age" and how those things are tied to Satan was also very instructive.

The book is somewhat frightening in a way too. To consider at length the reality of the power of Satan is rather scary. We must be sure that we balance this understanding of how Satan works and what his powers are with an equal understanding of the tremendous power of Christ and a strong faith that Christ can deliver us from every evil.

I think this book is important in our "modern age" that has decided to pretend Satan doesn't exist. He does, and Father Amorth gives an excellent accounting and explanation for Satan's activities. You can't fight what you don't even believe in - which puts an individual at a distinct disadvantage in the fight for his or her own soul.

This book was interesting and faith affirming for me - both increasing my understanding of Church teaching and the reality of Evil while at the same time strengthening my love for Christ.

When one undertakes seriously to study history, it is inevitable that they come to deal with philosophy. And any serious comtemplation of philosophy has ultimately to deal with the Catholic Church. Herein, Father Amorth relates the electrifying story of his years as an exorcist in the ultimate form of philososphical warfare, that of God and Satan.

The book is well written. It is a "page turner". Once you pick it up, you will be hard pressed to set it down. And the central message of salvation through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is without doubt the most important message for human beings to grasp. Read this wonderful book, and pass on the really Good News. God is great. And Satan and his demons live in utter fear of Him.

i got this book hopin to hear some good stories about demons runnin' around possessin' people and other cool stuff like that but it was mostly preachy stuff and info about churches stance on exorcism. i wish there was a cop or something in the book that would challenge the demon to a fist fight. that would have made this a 5 star book.

Father Amorth brings years of personal experience as an exorcist of the Catholic Church to his treatment of this controversial topic. Readers whose initial exposure to exorcism has been through lurid films like "The Exorcist" or the highly dramatic writings of Fr. Malachi Martin will be surprised to learn that exorcism is often a protracted process of spiritual therapy extending over months or even years. They will also learn that the results of exorcism are mixed, with many failures and partial successes mixed in with the clear victories and complete healings. As with alcoholism or drug abuse, victory is not achieved merely by surviving a one-time crisis, but through a permanent change of lifestyle and attitude.

Readers may also be surprised to learn that many elements in the Catholic hierarchy - a clear majority in fact - look upon exorcism with suspicion and even contempt, preferring to view personality disorders through the comforting (to them) lens of modern psychology. Amorth is himself very aware of the need for discernment to properly evaluate the true cause behind oppressive psychological phenomena, but is nonetheless frustrated by the church's often dismissive attitude towards exorcism and the resulting burden this places on the few authorized exorcists.

Insofar as this is a look at the real world of exorcism as practiced by today's Catholic Church, those who are unsympathetic to Catholicism will perhaps find themselves arguing both with Amorth's diagnosis of these complex problems and with his solutions. But for those of a traditional Catholic or Christian viewpoint, Amorth will be simultaneously persuasive, comforting, and disturbing.

"An Exorcist Tells His Story" was interesting because it was more of a theology of exorcism, than any sort of sensationalist book. From its description I thought it would be more like case studies. But it was more like a series of essays, in which he occasionally referred to things he learned form his experiences.

As one reviewer noted, the danger in reading such material is gaining a fear that perhaps demonic oppression is behind any present problem, but the wonderful deliverance and healing prayers introduced in the appendix empower readers who acquire such fears to address the problem and take precautions.

The book raised some important issues for Catholcis in particular. Full demonic possession is really rare, but demonic oppression happens quite often. The problem is that so few priests are willing to learn about this field, that people in desperation often to turn to witch doctors or psychics, which makes the situation worse for them.

Fr. Amorth writes about Jesus' commands in the gospel to heal people in his name and to deliver them from demons, but questions why the Catholic Church has paid so little attention to these commands. He stated that the Church could learn something form some of the other Christian churches that practice spiritual healing and deliverance prayers. But he didn't specify which churches or how, or who. I wish he gave more follow up information. It sounded like an appeal to support the Charismatic movement in the Catholic Church, but it was not outwardly stated.

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 Fr. Malachi Martin's classic study HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL, and M. Scott Peck's GLIMPSES OF THE DEVIL.

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 "...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.

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.