Life After Death

Life After Death: A History of the Afterlife in Western Religion
by Alan F. Segal (professor of Jewish studies at Barnard College)

I found this book in New York while waiting for a Knickerbocker's (yes, that is what it says on the ticket) game. I actually got through quite a bit and was really fascinated with what the author found in his research.

For one he shows the difference in the Jews belief of the afterlife during the first temple, then how their ideas changed towards the second temple and finally how they began incorporating the pagan ideas of reincarnation and transmigration of the soul. Finally, he reaches into the New Testament and digs up some pretty nice information regarding the Christian development of both heaven and hell.

Got to put the wife through school, but you can be sure that this one will remain at the top of my list when I get some free cash.