"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 "[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 "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] delightful, 2,000 year journey…. a fine book that merits wide readership." - Publishers Weekly "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 "A thorough account of the intellectual and spiritual mischief that Revelation has spawned." - Washington Post "Kirsch traces Revelation's 2,000-year history --- a "romantic tale, full of intrigue and suspense" --- in lucid, captivating prose." - Atlanta Journal-Constitution
