The Devil in the Marketplace – Richard Maxwell – 1995, Verso
What the Book Explores
Richard Maxwell’s The Devil in the Marketplace examines the emergence of possessive individualism and the anxieties surrounding economic change in 17th-century England. The book focuses on the case of Richard Baxter, a prominent Puritan minister, and the accusations of demonic possession leveled against individuals within his congregation. Maxwell argues these accusations were not simply instances of religious superstition, but rather a response to the disruptive forces of early capitalism and the shift in social relations it engendered.
The work delves into how the language of possession – traditionally used to explain spiritual affliction – was repurposed to articulate anxieties related to economic competition, social mobility, and the perceived loss of community bonds. It explores how the concept of the ‘Devil’ became a metaphor for the unsettling effects of a market-driven society, particularly the threat of being ‘taken over’ by avarice and self-interest.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1995, Maxwell’s work contributed to a broader scholarly conversation regarding the cultural and psychological consequences of early capitalism. It draws upon the historical scholarship of E.P. Thompson and other historians of the English Revolution, but adds a psychoanalytic dimension through its engagement with the work of Freud and Lacan. The book appeared during a period of renewed interest in the history of the emotions and the social history of religion.
The 17th century in England witnessed significant economic transformations, including the rise of merchant capitalism and the enclosure movement. These changes created new forms of wealth and poverty, and challenged traditional social hierarchies. The Protestant Reformation, with its emphasis on individual conscience and salvation, also played a role in reshaping social and psychological landscapes. Maxwell’s analysis positions the cases of possession as revealing anxieties tied to the subjective experience of these upheavals.
Who This Book Is For
This book is best suited for readers with an academic interest in early modern history, religious studies, cultural studies, and psychoanalysis. It requires some familiarity with historical context and theoretical concepts. While not light reading, it is accessible to anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of the intersection between economic change, religious belief, and psychological experience.
Further Reading
- E.P. Thompson, The Making of the English Working Class: A foundational work in social history, providing a broader context for understanding the social and economic changes in 17th-century England.
- Carlo Ginzburg, The Cheese and the Worms: A microhistory examining the worldview of a 16th-century Italian miller, offering insights into popular beliefs and anxieties.
- Norman Cohn, The Pursuit of the Millennium: Explores millenarian movements and their connection to social unrest and religious fervor.
Disclaimer.
Oraclepedia is an independent educational and cultural project. The material presented explores myths, belief systems, symbolic traditions, and aspects of human perception from historical, cultural, and psychological perspectives.
Content is provided for informational and reflective purposes only and does not promote specific beliefs, spiritual practices, or ideological positions. Interpretations presented reflect scholarly, cultural, or symbolic analysis rather than factual claims about the natural world.