Marie Corelli's The Sorrows of Satan 

Set in late nineteenth-century London, this Faustian novel is a masterful example of gothic horror fiction, analysing the depths of human desire and exploring the eternal battle between good and evil.

A disillusioned and penniless author, Geoffrey Tempest, receives three letters. The first is from a friend who has come into fortune and may be able to offer financial help. The second is from a solicitor informing him he's inherited a fortune from a relative. The third is from Lucio, a foreign aristocrat who guides Tempest in using his new wealth. Despite many warnings, Tempest is unable to see Lucio is an earthly incarnation of the Devil, and he's seduced into a world of opulent decadence. But as the allure of his newfound life intensifies, he soon discovers the true cost of his Faustian bargain. Caught in a moral quandary, he must confront his inner demons and decide whether pursuing worldly desires is worth the sacrifice of his soul.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. First published in 1895, The Sorrows of Satan is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Marie Corelli's social commentary, portrayal of the supernatural, and examination of human nature's complexities make this gothic horror novel a timeless and engrossing read.