So you REALLY want to get into reading through the voluminous amounts of extra-biblical apocalyptic writing? Then this is the book for you. It nicely has biblical references in the side margins for parallels in the Bible.

For a more in depth discussion of the ancient development of apocalyptic, from the Hebrew Bible to the NT, this is recommended. Collins is an expert in the field of apocalyptic studies making this a foundational study.

This is a classic introduction and overview of the book by a top notch scholar. Somewhat dated (first published in 1984) it would need to be read alongside more recent research. See also her small commentary below.

For a helpful introduction to a feminist/liberation theological approach to the book this is a good one to read. Schussler Fiorenza is a very learned feminist scholar who has good insights of how the book can be profitably approached. Don't think a feminist scholar has much to contribute? She is currently writing a commentary on Revelation for the prestigious Hermeneia series.

Collins provides a knowledgeable but readable commentary for the general reader. If you want a short, concise, to-the-point commentary this is a good choice.

This is a very good section by section commentary on the book. Boring is quite provocative at times. E.G. Jesus clothed in a robe dipped in blood is not the blood of his enemies but his own. Accessible to the general reader and full of substantial content, this is a worthwhile read.

For an all out, detailed commentary on the book, this is a good choice. (3 volumes.) He has wonderful excursuses throughout the commentaries like "eating food sacrificed to idols", "hymns in Revelation" etc. For the ambitious.

You may want to read this along with Rossing. Deals with the more general sense of what prophecy and eschatology mean in the Bible and how it relates to future events. It's moderate, sane approach is endorsed by a wide range of Christian thinkers: Eugene Peterson, Rowan Williams, Tony Campolo, Jürgen Moltmann, Luke Timothy Johnson, and Walter Brueggemann. Wow, now that's endorsement!

This book contains contributions of six religious scholars who both try to explain the tenets and popularity of the Left Behind/dispensational theology and also state their moderate (less polemical) criticisms. A good book to get a balanced feel of what the movement is all about.

Frykholm explains the historical roots of the dispensational movement that spawned the Left Behind phenomenon and also tries to understand it's current popularity. Interviews with Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins are included. A good read with Standaert to see the movement as a whole in it's multi-dimensions.

A book to bring some sanity to the concept of Christian eschatology. Instead of focusing on the sensationalized images of an apocalyptic blood-bath, Moltmann calls us to the hope of the fulfilled realization of a fully redeemed world wrought through the new creation in Christ. Why are Xians hoping for a violent convulsion of human violence to confirm their Biblical beliefs?

For millennial/apocalyptic historical movements in a broader, more full ranging sense, this may fit the bill. Not getting bogged down in detail nor acting condescendingly, this would serve as a great overview of this often tragic dimension of history that has at times provided inspiration for the oppressed and downtrodden amidst Empire.

For those only aware of the Left Behind series presentation of it's sensationalized eschatology, this would provide a more substantial biblical presentation of this futurist approach to the book (along with other conservative approaches). One may wish to overview the position with a work like this. After all, it is only fair to give an objective hearing.