Viral on Social Media: 'The Incredible History of People Who Believed in the End of the World' to be Released May 22
Kawade Shobo Shinsha will release 'The Incredible History of People Who Believed in the End of the World' by Tom Phillips on May 22. The book provides a humorous look at the history of humanity's obsession with apocalyptic prophecies and the people who believed in them.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 09:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 21, 2026 at 14:12 (4h 40m after Collected)
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.
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.
FAQ
Who is the author of 'The Incredible World History of People Who Believed in the End of the World'?
Tom Phillips, a journalist and humor writer. He has previously written 'A History of the World in Gigantic Blunders'.
When is the release date of this book?
May 22, 2026.
What kind of content is covered in this book?
The book covers prophecies about the 'end of the world' and anecdotes about the people involved, from ancient times to the present, including topics like the Last Judgment, cults, pandemics, and nuclear wars.
What is the price?
The fixed price including tax is 2,970 yen.
Will an e-book version be released?
Yes, it is scheduled to be released after July 2026.