Antichrist: Two Thousand Years of the Human Fascination with Evil

Traces the concept of Antichrist from its Judeo-Christian origins to the present day, alerting us to the potential for violence that often accompanies literal belief in an ultimate human evildoer. The idea of Antichrist was formulated from a combination of myth, history, and legend. Demonstrates how Antichrist has always served the human need to understand the persistence of evil in the world. Explores the evolution of the Antichrist legend over the centuries. Examines how it has haunted popular imagination in both the form of individuals -- such as Nero, Napoleon, and Saddam Hussein -- and groups -- Jews, heretics, Muslims -- that are perceived as grave social threats.McGinn, Bernard is the author of 'Antichrist: Two Thousand Years of the Human Fascination with Evil' with ISBN 9780060655433 and ISBN 0060655437.