Kawade Shobo Shinsha announces the release of 'The Incredible History of People Who Believed in the End of the World,' written by Tom Phillips and translated by Nobuko Teranishi (retail price including tax: 2,970 yen), on May 22, 2026.

A Human History Obsessed with 'The End of the World' The concept of 'apocalypse' encompasses various images, including the Last Judgment, Armageddon, the Second Coming of Christ, cults, nuclear war, alien invasions, and pandemics. This book explores these themes, documenting historical prophecies and the lives of those who fell under their spell.

Historically, none of these prophecies have ever come true. Yet, humans repeatedly cling to the belief in an impending end and follow prophets. The book delves into why this happens, incorporating modern perspectives on issues like nuclear war, AI, and climate change, while sharing obscure historical anecdotes rarely taught in schools.

The author, Tom Phillips, is a London-based journalist and humorist. Known for the Japanese bestseller 'The History of 'Major Failures' of Megaton Class,' he is highly regarded for his ability to weave humor into archaeological and anthropological research. The Japanese edition has already garnered significant attention on social media ahead of its launch.

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