Preface Prologue: The Hidden World of Prophecy Belief I. The Genre and Its Early Interpreters 1. Origins of the Apocalyptic 2. Rhythms of Prophecy Belief 3. The Premillennial Strand II. Key Themes after World War II 4. The Atomic Bomb and Nuclear War 5. Ezekiel as the First Cold Warrior 6. The Final Chatisement of the Chosen 7. The United States in Prophecy 8. Antichrist, 666, and the Mark of the Beast III. The Enduring Apocalyptic Vision 9. The Continuing Appeal of Prophecy Belief 10. Apocalyptic Portents in a Post-Cold War World Notes Acknowledgements Credits Index Illustrations follow pages 144 and 280
This is one of the most important and impressive books I have ever read in American cultural history. It is richly researched, ably argued, exhaustive in its coverage of the subject of apocalyptic belief in the United States, yet a constant revelation. Indeed, it amounts to the discovery of what many of us in this field have halfway understood but never quite realized, that the dominion of prophecy and 'end-time' religion is vast and of utmost importance in understanding the whole of American culture. It will scarcely be possible now not to see the importance of this fringe culture that affects millions of Americans and which, from time to time, finds itself near the very center. -- James Gilbert, University of Maryland It is a work of high quality in every respect and is as good as anything I know of on the subject. In addition to writing well, the author is judicious and insightful in his judgments and maintains a tone of seeking understanding rather than, as do most writers on such topics, taking cheap shots at easy targets. Also and importantly, I found the book engaging and was eager to keep reading. -- George Marsden, University of Notre Dame This is not a facile study, attempting to draw large and arresting conclusions from a mere sample of the evidence. Boyer committed himself to an intense study of popular prophetic belief and the result is a learned, persuasive, and nuanced study of a very important subject. The book is inherently interesting and superbly written. -- Nathan O. Hatch, University of Notre Dame
Paul Boyer was Merle Curti Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
A splendid, rigorously documented treatise, as up to date as the
morning newspaper… No book provides more comprehensive information
about the awesome degree to which Biblical literalism and prophetic
fervor have invaded the hearts and minds of Americans, rich and
poor, educated and ignorant… [Those] who read the book can laugh
and weep.
*Washington Post Book World*
Paul Boyer traces the roots and branches of the rich, strange
complex of biblical exegesis and twisted journalism that he calls
‘prophecy belief.’ When Time Shall Be No More exhaustively
describes a strange species of rabid predictions of the wrath to
come.
*New Republic*
Splendid… [A] compelling cultural history.
*Village Voice Literary Supplement*
This is one of the most important and impressive books I have ever
read in American cultural history. It is richly researched, ably
argued, exhaustive in its coverage of the subject of apocalyptic
belief in the United States, yet a constant revelation. Indeed, it
amounts to the discovery of what many of us in this field have
halfway understood but never quite realized, that the dominion of
prophecy and ‘end-time’ religion is vast and of utmost importance
in understanding the whole of American culture. It will scarcely be
possible now not to see the importance of this fringe culture that
affects millions of Americans and which, from time to time, finds
itself near the very center.
*James Gilbert, University of Maryland*
This is not a facile study, attempting to draw large and arresting
conclusions from a mere sample of the evidence. Boyer committed
himself to an intense study of popular prophetic belief and the
result is a learned, persuasive, and nuanced study of a very
important subject. The book is inherently interesting and superbly
written.
*Nathan O. Hatch, University of Notre Dame*
It is a work of high quality in every respect and is as good as
anything I know of on the subject. In addition to writing well, the
author is judicious and insightful in his judgments and maintains a
tone of seeking understanding rather than, as do most writers on
such topics, taking cheap shots at easy targets. Also and
importantly, I found the book engaging and was eager to keep
reading.
*George Marsden, University of Notre Dame*
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