A History of the End of the World: How the Most Controversial Book in the Bible Changed the Course of Western Civilization - Hardcover

Kirsch, Jonathan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060816988 ISBN 13: 9780060816988

Publisher: Harper San Francisco, 2006

Synopsis

An evaluation of how the Book of Revelation has significantly influenced history and the modern world cites its place at the heart of culture wars between governments and religions, discussing such topics as how it was nearly cut from the New Testament, the role of the book in the fall of the Roman Empire and the Black Death, and its use in the establishment of foreign policy. 50,000 first printing.

About this title

Review:

"A learned, lively, . literary tour of the life and the improbable afterlife of the greatest apocalypse of them all." -- Jack Miles, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of God: A Biography and Christ: A Crisis in the Life of Go

"[A] delightful, 2,000 year journey.. a fine book that merits wide readership." -- Publishers Weekly

"This book does what history is supposed to do.A truly fine book." -- John M. Barry, New York Times bestselling author of The Great Influenza

"[A]n important book that is essential reading in our torn, conflicted world: it is articulate, learned and balanced."--Karen Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of A History of God and The Spiral Staircase

"A thorough account of the intellectual and spiritual mischief that Revelation has spawned."--Washington Post

"Fascinating - and sure to provoke heated discussion."--Booklist

"Kirsch's splendid examination of this dark corner of religious resentment holds out a new perspective and, mercifully, some solace."--Los Angeles Times

"Kirsch traces Revelation's 2,000-year history --- a "romantic tale, full of intrigue and suspense" --- in lucid, captivating prose."--Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"This book does what history is supposed to do...A truly fine book."--John M. Barry, New York Times bestselling author of The Great Influenza

"A learned, lively, ... literary tour of the life and the improbable afterlife of the greatest apocalypse of them all."--Jack Miles, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of God: A Biography and Christ: A Crisis in the Life of God

About the Author:

Jonathan Kirsch is the author of ten books, including the national bestseller The Harlot by the Side of the Road and his most recent work, the Los Angeles Times bestseller A History of the End of the World. Kirsch is also a book columnist for the Los Angeles Times, a broadcaster for NPR affiliates in Southern California, and an adjunct professor at New York University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper San Francisco
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0060816988
• ISBN 13: 9780060816988
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 340