cover image Nostradamus New Revelations

Nostradamus New Revelations

John Hogue. Element Books, $29.95 (256pp) ISBN 978-1-85230-535-2

Because of the apparent accuracy of many of his prophecies, spiritual seekers continue to be fascinated with the life and work of the 16th-century mystic and alchemist, Nostradamus. Hogue, an established Nostradamus scholar (Nostradamus and the Millennium), presents the most complete rendering of the prophecies we have to date. In the opening section, he traces the prophetic lineage of Nostradamus and provides a key to interpreting the uncanny visions. He then proceeds to explore, in commentary form, the prophecies and their fulfillment from the French Revolution to the present. Nostradamus's quatrains are read as predictions of the AIDS pandemic, the ecological crisis and the spiritual malaise and hunger within contemporary culture. Hogue's interpretations often stretch the reader's credulity, for he makes the common mistake of reading prophecy as eschatology. Still, the advent of the new millennium assures that many seeeking spiritual harmony and unity will turn to Nostradamus for direction. 300 color illustrations not seen by PW. (Oct.)