The Continuum History of Apocalypticism

Description

This is a 1-volume, select edition of the 3-volume "Encyclopedia of Apocalypticism" first published in 1998. The main historical surveys that provided the spine of the Encyclopedia have been retained, while essays of a thematic nature, and a few whose subject matter is not central to the historical development, have been omitted. The work begins with 8 articles on "The Origins of Apocalypticism in the Ancient World," extending from ancient Near Eastern myth through the Old Testament to the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jesus, Paul, and the Book of Revelation. Next are 7 articles on "Apocalyptic Traditions from Late Antiquity to ca. 1800 C.E.," including early Christian theology, radical movements in the Middle Ages, and both Jewish and Islamic apocalypticism in the classic period. The final section, "Apocalypticism in the Modern Age," includes 10 articles on apocalypticism in the Americas, in Western and Eastern Europe, and, finally, in modern Judaism and modern Islam.

Bernard McGinn is Naomi Shenstone Donnelley Professor Emeritus of Historical Theology and of the History of Christianity in the Divinity School and the Committees on Medieval Studies and on General Studies at the University of Chicago, USA. John J. Collins is Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation at Yale University Divinity School, USA. Stephen J. Stein teaches Religious Studis at Indiana University.

"This multivolume set, a masterfully conceived work covering the vast historical literature of apocalypticism, will...utterly delight the serious scholar....The articles are surprisingly readable for an academic text....Those truly interested in a comprehensive exposition of apocalypticism will find treasures in this great work." -Library Journal "Edited by first-rate scholars...this work is certain to dominate its field for decades. It is rich, learned, fascinating and unsettling. I wish the authors were basically wrong. But I fear they re always nearly right/ Reading every essay is the three thick volumes, I am chastened, instructed, and in a strange way, moved and even inspired."-Judaism "This splendid collection of essays explores religiously inspired conceptions of the end of history....Addressing critical aspects of Western apocalypticism, the authors identify and define their topics carefully, develop independent interpretations, and supply excellent supporting annotates bibliographies. This superb encyclopedia represents the best current scholarship...; it richly deserves wide distribution."-Choice "[A]n indispensable resource for anyone interested in studying the origin, development and continuing impact of apocalyptic thought and writing in Judaism, Christianity and Islam." -America "A unique and affordable companion revealing the historical and social dynamics of apocalyptic thought, this is recommended for academic theological collections..."" -L Kriz, West Des Moines P.L., IA, 1/04 "This collection of essays have been selected and edited by three outstanding scholars from three different American universities. Their selections explore a rich history of religiously inspired ideas about the end of history...The price of this volume at $75, although expensive, is entirely within the price range of similar volumes, if not below many of them...For the religion major, graduate student, or religious scholar, this compendium is a necessary edition to their research library." -35th Annual American Reference Books Annual, 2004