Media and the Apocalypse

Editors Hart and Holba (communication and media studies, Plymouth State U.) and nine contributors provide a collection of essays that examines the pop culture fascination with end of catastrophes and end of the world narratives. The essays cover films and made-for-television movies such as Deep Impact and The Day After Tomorrow, as well as literature and apocalypticism in the music of Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. Apocalyptic ideologies are certainly nothing new, the authors note. The Armageddon of the Christian Bible is one of many manifestations of the concept in many eastern and western cultures. The essays also dig more deeply to explore how the media help shape these visions and how the end of the world scenarios underscore and possibly define a cultural mindset at a time when anxiety and fear are--for good reason-- all too prevalent. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)