The Encyclopedia of Apocalypticism [Hardcover]

Bernard McGinn (Editor), John Joseph Collins (Editor), Stephen J. Stein (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1998 | ISBN-10: 0826410871 | ISBN-13: 978-0826410870

Apocalypticism, broadly defined as the belief that God has revealed the imminent end of the ongoing struggle between good and evil throughout history, has been a major element in the three monotheistic Western religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Over the past 30 years, extensive scholarship has been devoted to the study of apocalypticism over the succeeding 20 centuries. The contemporary role of apocalyptic thought, both in America and in the world at large, has also been a subject of intense research. This reference work provides a survey of apocalypticism's role in Western history, from its origins down to the eve of the third millennium.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

As the millennium approaches, one can expect a demand for books relating to the apocalypse. This multivolume set, a masterfully conceived work covering the vast historical literature of apocalypticism, will disappoint the casual reader and utterly delight the serious scholar. Though it focuses narrowly on Judaism and Christianity, with a few articles on Islam and scattered mentionings of Persian, Greek, and Roman folk religions, such limiting was necessary to present this topic in an accessible manner. The three volumes comprise articles written by noted scholars of religious studies and literary criticism. Volume 1, edited by Collins (Univ. of Chicago), covers the beginnings of apocalypticism in the ancient Near East, moves through early Judaism, and ends at the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. Volume 2, edited by McGinn (Univ. of Chicago), begins with the apocalypticism in early Christian theology (100 C.E.) and concludes with discussions of apocalyptic influences in medieval and renaissance literature (up to 1800 C.E.). Of special interest are the articles by Roberto Rusconi on the Antichrist and by Robert E. Lerner on millennialism, both works relevant to anyone interested in biblical Armageddon. Volume 3, edited by Stein (Indiana Univ.), brings the discussion into the 20th century and focuses on the influences of apocalypticism on modern popular culture, art, science, politics, and thought. Although the articles are surprisingly readable for an academic text, the arcane nature of the topic makes casual reading difficult, and only those truly interested in a comprehensive exposition of apocalypticism will find treasures in this great work. There is nothing here for the fans of UFOs, crop circles, or the re-emergence of Atlantis or Mu. Strongly recommended for academic libraries, especially theological ones.?Glenn Masuchika, Chaminade Univ. Lib., Honolulu
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 498 pages
• Publisher: Continuum Intl Pub Group (Sd) (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826410871
• ISBN-13: 978-0826410870
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 5.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.5 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,487,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)