The Bible is the world's most read book, but is it also the most misunderstood? This book demystifies the difficult, final book of the New Testament and focuses on the apocalyptic, dream-like imagery within it.

This is a plain-English guide to the most difficult book of the New Testament. "The Book of Revelation" details a dream - like vision of the apocalypse - the end times that bring the tribulation, the rapture, and the second coming of Christ. It is a central text to those evangelical Christians who believe that the end times are approaching - and the inspiration for the popular "Left Behind" novels, which have sold more than 62 million copies. This balanced, approachable guide walks readers through the symbolism and complexity of "Revelation" and helps them understand the book's inspiration and significance. Exploring the various ways people have interpreted "Revelation" over the centuries, it shows how to grasp the enduring messages of this mysterious book and apply them in daily life. Richard Wagner (Princeton, MA) is the publisher of Digitalwalk.net, a Christian Web site, and the author of "Christianity For Dummies" (0-7645-4482-9), "Christian Prayer For Dummies" (0-7645-5500-6), and, most recently, "C. S. Lewis & Narnia For Dummies" (0-7645-8381-6).

Introduction.Part I: Revealing the End of the Biblical Story.Chapter 1: One Man's Visions, All Humans' Fate.Chapter 2: Setting the Stage: The Apostle John and the World in Which He Lived.Chapter 3: The Prequels: Prophecies throughout the Bible.Part II: Interpreting the Book of Revelation.Chapter 4: Choosing a Perspective for Understanding Revelation.Chapter 5: Deciphering Symbols with Your Secret Decoder Ring.Part III: Taking a Grand Tour of the Book of Revelation.Chapter 6: Setting Up the Scope of the Book (1:1-20).Chapter 7: Reading the Seven Letters to Conflicted Churches (1:19-3:22).Chapter 8: Peeking into the Throne Room (4:1-5:14).Chapter 9: Breaking Seven Seals (6:1-8:1).Chapter 10: Sounding Seven Trumpets (8:2-11:19).Chapter 11: A Woman, a Dragon, Two Beasts, and More! (12:1-14:20).Chapter 12: Seven Angels, Seven Bowls, and a Final Smackdown (15:1-18:24).Chapter 13: Coming of the Kingdom (19:1-20:15).Chapter 14: Seeing the New Jerusalem and a Triumphant Church (21:1-22:6).Chapter 15: Promising to Return (22:6-21).Part IV: The Part of Tens.Chapter 16: Ten Common Questions about the End Times.Chapter 17: Ten Tips for Interpreting Scripture and Prophecy.Appendix: Glossary.Index.