Letters from Hell. (2 volumes)

Valdemar Adolph Thisted; M. Rowel

London : R. Bentley, 1866

[Exceedingly rare first English ed.] 2 volumes. Bound in publisher's cloth, rebacked with renewed, modern spines.  Engraved book plate of J.B. Troy (engraved by Sidney L. Smith). Library stamps and markings. Thisted was a Danish priest who wrote this work under the pseudonym M. Rowel.  The novel shows the influence of Emanuel Swedenborg's Heaven and Hell. In turn it was read by C.S. Lewis and its influence can be seen in his Screwtape Letters. "In the firm reliances on the love of Jesus, I send for these letters to the world.  That they will cause restlessness and pain to many give me no concern.  On the contrary, it is just my very hope that many hearts may be touched, and be brought to inquire in fear and trembling: 'Ah! what shall I do?" The answer is given and is plain: 'Repent and believe the Gospel." - preface. Translation of Breve fra Helvede.