The end of the world : Apocalypse and its aftermath in Western culture Our fear of the world ending like our fear of the dark is ancient deep seated and perennial. It crosses boundaries of space and time recurs in all human communities and finds expression in every aspect of cultural production – from pre historic cave paintings to high tech computer games. This book examines historical and imaginary scenarios of Apocalypse the depiction of its likely triggers and imagined landscapesin the aftermath of global destruction. Its discussion moves effortlessly from classic novels including Aldous Huxleys Brave New World George Orwells Nineteen Eighty Four and Margaret Atwoods Oryx and Crake to blockbuster films such as Blade Runner Armageddon and The Terminator. The author also takes into account religious doctrine scientific research and the visual arts to create a penetrating multi disciplinary study that provides profound insight into one of Western cultures darkest and most enduring preoccupations. Publishers website Prologue 1. Apocalypse now and again 2. The world gone M.A.D. 3. And then there was nothing: is the end ever really the end 4. Falling out with Hal and Hester 5. Dying of happiness: Utopia at the end of this world Afterword: Libera me Domine de vita æterna