Author: Elaine Pagels File Type: epub A startling exploration of the history of the most controversial book of the Bible, by the bestselling author of Beyond Belief. Through the bestselling books of Elaine Pagels, thousands of readers have come to know and treasure the suppressed biblical texts known as the Gnostic Gospels. As one of the worlds foremost religion scholars, she has been a pioneer in interpreting these books and illuminating their place in the early history of Christianity. Her new book, however, tackles a text that is firmly, dramatically within the New Testament canon The Book of Revelation, the surreal apocalyptic vision of the end of the world . . . or is it?In this startling and timely book, Pagels returns The Book of Revelation to its historical origin, written as its author John of Patmos took aim at the Roman Empire after what is now known as the Jewish War, in 66 CE. Militant Jews in Jerusalem, fired with religious fervor, waged an all-out war against Romes occupation of Judea and their defeat resulted in the desecration of Jerusalem and its Great Temple. Pagels persuasively interprets Revelation as a scathing attack on the decadence of Rome. Soon after, however, a new sect known as Christians seized on Johns text as a weapon against heresy and infidels of all kinds-Jews, even Christians who dissented from their increasingly rigid doctrines and hierarchies.In a time when global religious violence surges, Revelations explores how often those in power throughout history have sought to force Gods enemies to submit or be killed. It is sure to appeal to Pagelss committed readers and bring her a whole new audience who want to understand the roots of dissent, violence, and division in the worlds religions, and to appreciate the lasting appeal of this extraordinary text.From BooklistStarred Review The preeminent scholar of the early-Christian-period sacred writings found at Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945 uses them as well as the Bible to illuminate the New Testaments last book, which almost wasnt added to the canon because, Pagels explains, it conflicted with the Pauline epistles. For it revived the argument over how Judaistic the Gentiles in the Jesus movement had to be, which Paul had answered conclusively in Galatians. The visionary tract squeaked into the NT only when fourth-century bishops saw that, if the aim of its wrath was shifted from Gentiles and their advocates to those who fit in the new category of heretics, it could help with consolidating the institutional church. But how Revelation made the cut is only one of Pagels revelations about it. She also discloses the extent to which it extrapolates from the prophetic tradition of Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel its status as one of many similarly visionary texts, typically also called Revelation and more Gnostic, found at Nag Hammadi its primary purpose as anti-Roman propaganda intended to rally continuing Jewish resistance after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and its modern role in fostering hope in the face of seemingly ultimate cataclysm. A lot for so little a book to do, but, thanks to Pagels sublimely fluent exposition, not too much. --Ray Olson ReviewRevelations is a slim book that packs in dense layers of scholarship and meaning . . . One of [Elaine Pagelss] great gifts is much in abundance her ability to ask, and answer, the plainest questions about her material without speaking down to her audience . . . She must be a fiendishly good lecturer.(The New York Times )One of the significant benefits of Pagelss book is its demonstration of the unpredictability of apocalyptic politics . . . The meaning of the Apocalypse is ever malleable and ready to hand for whatever crisis one confronts. That is one lesson of Pagelss book. Another is that we all should be vigilant to keep some of us from using the vision for violence against others.(The New York Times Book Review (Editors Choice) )Pagels is an absorbing, intelligent, and eye-opening companion. Calming and broad-minded here, as in her earlier works, she applies a sympathetic and humane eye to texts that are neither subtle nor sympathetically humane but lit instead by fury.(Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker )Any book in the Bible that can be cited simultaneously by deeply conservative end-of-times Christians who see the Apocalypse around the corner and by Marxist-friendly Christians looking forward to justice at the End of History must have a compelling back story. That back story is told well and concisely by Elaine Pagels in her new book, Revelations.(The Boston Globe )

Author: Gary Graff File Type: epub Neil Young has been described as brilliant, cantankerous, enigmatic, and vexing. Regardless, his generation-spanning fan base and his profound musical influence cannot be denied. While a number of narrative titles have chronicled Neil Young in one manner or another, this is the first illustrated history to span his 41 studio albums, 6 live releases, and 40-plus years as a recording and touring musician. From Youngs earliest days in the Canadian rock scene through his tenures with Buffalo Springfield and CSNY and on to his varied solo career, each aspect of the musicians career is covered. Photography from rock photographers of the 1960s to the present, as well as concert posters and memorabilia from around the world, are complemented by commentary from notable musicians around the world and a discography.