The Antichrist is a disturbing and vague figure that has accompanied the evolution of Western culture and exerted a unique appeal, since the origins of Christianity up to the popularity of satanic rock music. This book outlines and develops the history of the Antichrist, but rather than writing an essay Marco Rizzi has adopted the point of view of the authors who over the centuries have attempted to define the incarnation of evil and abomination. The resulting text is peculiar and unique in its explanation of how fathers of the Church, medieval theologians and modern thinkers have envisaged the Antichrist. Although they may seem nonsense in contemporary secularised Europe, the thoughts, curiosities and concerns described here long mirrored widespread and vivid fears and hopes, and continue to do so even today.

Marco Rizzi teaches Ancient Christian Literature at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan.