Dr. Beasley-Murray has made a special study of the Revelation, the notorious difficulties of which have challenged and fascinated him for many years. An essential key to the understanding of its enigmatic character is the realization that it comes within the category of apocalyptic literature, in which acknowledged symbols were used to disguise the real meaning. According to the author, that which "to the uninitiated modern reader appears grotesque imagery spoke with power to John's fellow-Christians . . ."Due weight is also given to the Christology of the book, which the author sees as inseparable from its eschatology.