From ancient Jewish texts and pre-Christian antiquity through the Enlightenment to modern times: Johannes Fried covers almost 2000 years of European history. Drawing on intellectual history, scholarship and popular culture alike, he unearths fascinating examples from a wide range of sources. Surprisingly, the increase of scientific knowledge has not been able to prevent visions of the end. On the contrary: these ideas are deeply embedded in our subconscious worldview and continue to affect our relationship with the world even today.