Dean of Salisbury, The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, with a copy of his book, The Infernal Word. Picture: Finnbarr Webster

Story of a Rebel Angel told in new book by the Dean of Salisbury

Paul JonesDecember 7, 20230 Comment0

THE story of a Rebel Angel is at the heart of a new book launched in Salisbury this month.

On December 5, an audience of around 250 joined the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, for the launch of his book, The Infernal Word.

Published by Canterbury Press, the book is told from the point of view of a rebel angel, who sided with Satan in his insurgency and was cast out of Heaven.

And he is an unhappy devil, perplexed by the triumph of good over evil and the stories of salvation.

At the heart of the launch was an hour-long and wide-ranging conversation with the author, conducted by Canon Tim Daykin, former broadcaster and member of the Salisbury Cathedral Chapter, followed by a book signing.

The Dean of Salisbury in conversation with Canon Tim Daykin. Picture: Finnbarr Webster

In all, 130 people queued with their copies of the book for the Dean to sign, with music provided by Wiltshire harpist and former chorister, Katie Salomon.

Nicholas said: “The evening was everything I could have wished for: relaxed, fun, and yet purposeful. Just like the book – I hope.

“I was very touched by the number of people who turned out on a chilly December Evening to join us.

“I’d like to thank Katie Salomon for playing – she is a former chorister and remains an important member of the cathedral community, and her music entertained visitors as they arrived and during the book signing.

Music for the launch was provided by Wiltshire harpist, Katie Salomon. Picture: Finnbarr Webster

“I’d also like to thank Tim Daykin for being such a skilled and generous interviewer. Above all, I’d like to thank our wonderful cathedral staff who, as always, made everything run like clockwork.”

Described by Archbishop Justin Welby as “deceptively simple, profoundly insightful and immensely entertaining” and by the author and historian Tom Holland as “Milton’s rebel angels re-imagined for the 21st century”, The Infernal Word; Notes from a Rebel Angel began as a series of addresses preached by the Dean on Good Friday, when he was the Canon Treasurer at Canterbury Cathedral, and subsequently expanded at Salisbury Cathedral.

Years in preparation, the book and the conversation in the Cathedral offer a fresh perspective on familiar Biblical stories.