Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days

Left Behind (1995) is the first book in the series of the same name. It was co-authored by Tim LaHaye, a minister and prophecy scholar, and Jerry B. Jenkins, an author of mystery novels, biographies, and Christian fiction. The series is a work of speculative Christian fiction based on biblical prophecies related to the so-called “end times.” Its plot opens with “the Rapture,” a cataclysmic event discussed in biblical prophecy in which Jesus returns to earth to take his followers to heaven before their deaths. The world is then launched into a seven-year period of tribulation for those who have been “left behind.”

The series comprises 13 novels: Left Behind (1995), Tribulation Force (1996), Nicolae (1997), Soul Harvest (1998), Apollyon (1999), Assassins (1999), The Indwelling (2000), The Mark (2000), Desecration (2001), The Remnant (2002), Armageddon (2003), Glorious Appearing (2004), and Kingdom Come (2007). As the first novel in the series, Left Behind introduces the series’ overall premise and its main characters. As its events foreshadow the increasingly apocalyptic plot events that occur throughout the subsequent books, Left Behind also highlights the evangelical message of Jesus as the savior of humanity.

The series achieved extensive commercial success and is now part of a multimedia franchise that includes a three-book prequel, a series of 40 YA novellas, three companion books, and a video game.