The Devil's Church

"The greatest writer ever produced in Latin America."

Susan Sontag, writer and activist

"The supreme black literary artist to date."

Harold Bloom, literary critic

The Devil's Church (

A Igreja do Diabo) is a masterful short story from Brazil's most celebrated writer, Machado de Assis, originally published in 1883. In this wickedly clever satirical tale, the Devil himself decides to establish his own church, seeking to institutionalize and legitimize sin in direct opposition to God's teachings. With characteristic wit and psychological insight, Machado weaves a story that serves as both a religious allegory and a sharp critique of human nature and social hypocrisy.

In this revelatory work, Machado explores themes of morality, human contradiction, and institutional power with his characteristic sardonic humor. As the Devil meticulously builds his anti-church, he discovers an uncomfortable truth about human nature that readers will find both amusing and unsettlingly relevant to contemporary society. The story exemplifies Machado's unique ability to use seemingly simple narratives to expose profound truths about human behavior and social structures.

For readers interested in world literature, religious satire, or masterfully crafted short fiction, "The Devil's Church" provides a concise but powerful demonstration of why Machado de Assis's work continues to resonate with audiences over a century after its original publication.