Apocalyptic Literature: A Reader

The world of apocalyptic literature can be both vast and confusing. To journey successfully through its complexities, it is best to have an experienced tour guide to direct you to the sites most representative of that world. In this way the new traveler can avoid dead ends, skip the fruitless excursions, and instead enjoy the ride. Reddish's introductions to the otherworldly writings of Judaism - including the War Scroll from Qumran and books such as 1 Enoch from the so-called Old Testament Pseudepigrapha - as well as to the apocalyptic documents of Christianity, including the noncanonical apocalypses of Peter, Paul and James, and related works such as the Sibylline Oracles, are simply superb. Those wanting a more informed understanding of these centuries-old writings of hope and despair will not be disappointed.

Mitchell G. Reddish is Associate Professor of Religion at Stetson University, Deland, Florida.