A very interesting book. The authors cover just about every historical form of what passes as damnation for recalcitrant and otherwise evil souls. The book is divided into six sections (No comments on the relationship to the mark of the beast (666) in Christian theology.)
Each chapter has little bites per section for each topic, making it for easy, if somewhat tempting to procrastinate to read. Take note the fact that it took me a week to read it.
Thats not because it is boring. The chapters, if they can be designated as that, are very interesting. Intersprsed with these "chapters" are sidebars which cover among other things, some personal ideas of Hell from famous personalities, including William Shatner, Patton Oswalt, Bob Newhart, and Mark Mothersbaugh (of Devo).
The sidebars, I have to admit, are some of the more interesting parts of this book. They cover such things as the fact that The Twilight Zone series had several episodes that covered either Hell or the Devil, places in the world that have Hell or Devil in their name, and other incidental info that serves to prove humanity's fascination with the unknown area of the afterlife.
Don't be surprised by the similarities of the Christian Hell to some earlier incarnations. It is apparent that some ideas were borrowed by some cultures from other cultures. Your own particular view of Hell, or the non-existence of as the case may be, will possibly be challenged by this book. That's the ultimate appeal of the book for me. If you are steadfast in your views and unwilling to read or consider other possiblities, this may not be the book for you.
I rate this one 8 stars. Next book is "How to Make A Million Dollars With Your Voice (or Lose Your Tonsils Trying)" by Gary Owens
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