“…In this context, Cole's study indicates, so-called "vermin" occupied liminal spaces between subject and object, nature and animal, animal and the devil, the devil and disease--even reason and madness. …”

“…"Wounded pride of the hero motivated one of the primal poems, pride of the angel caused his downfall and hubris of man cost him his expulsion from earthly paradise and the sale of his soul to the devil. Different forms of pride play a central role in many myths. …”

“…The book discusses the work of Italian Capuchins in the face of American alterity, especially in the catechism of Indians and mestizos accused of being sorcerers of the devil. The friars faced a crisis in missionary optimism in the face of alleged indigenous resistance to Christianity or to European social rules. …”

“…Anderson; "Tales of Neiman-Marcus," by James Howard; "The Devil in the Big Bend," by Elton Miles; and others…”

“…The rituals are centuries old and celebrate the seasonal cycle, fertility, life, and death By becoming a bear, a goat, a stag, a wild boar, a man of straw, a devil, or a monster with jaws of steel, these people celebrate the cycle of life and seasons. …”