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.