The Apocalyptic Complex: Perspectives, Histories, Persistence

The attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, followed by similarly dreadful acts of terror, prompted a new interest in the field of the apocalyptic. There is a steady output of literature on the subject (also referred to as “the End Times.) This book analyzes this continuously published literature and opens up a new perspective on these views of the apocalypse. The thirteen essays in this volume focus on the dimensions, consequences and transformations of Apocalypticism. The authors explore the everyday relevance of the apocalyptic in contemporary society, culture, and politics, side by side with the various histories of apocalyptic ideas and movements. In particular, they seek to better understand the ways in which perceptions of the apocalypse diverge in the American, European, and Arab worlds. Leading experts in the field re-evaluate some of the traditional views on the apocalypse in light of recent political and cultural events, and, go beyond empirical facts to reconsider the potential of the apocalyptic. This last point is the focal point of the book.

David Marno is assistant professor of English at the University of California, Berkeley.

Matthias Riedl is associate professor and the head of the history department at Central European University.

Nadia Al-Bagdadi is Professor of History at Central European University, Budapest, founding director of the Center for Religious Studies and since 2015 Director of the Institute of Advanced Studies, CEU.