Russell provides a useful introduction to the definition of apocalyptic literature. The reader will learn about some of the distinctive ideas and elements found in this genre and will encounter general principies of interpretation useful for understanding the overall messages of these books. The reader will not learn much about the specific contents of apocalyptic literature nor how these may be understood. Russell takes a moderate critical view of the Bible as exemplified by his acceptance of a second-century Daniel with sections dating earlier. He mentions but does not develop views regarding the origins of apocalyptic in wisdom traditions (preferring prophetic origins). The same is true of Russell’s consideration of apocalyptic movements. Much of the book criticizes ‘fundamentalist’ and dispensational approaches to the apocalypses of Daniel and Revelation.

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