The latest Left Behind book is ready for you to purchase

Mr. Fillingane, owner of Lemstone Books in Hattiesburg, Miss., has arranged television, radio and newspaper advertisements and even a marquee over the front of his local mall, and next week he will hold a book signing by the authors, Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, on a Bible Belt bus tour from Spartanburg, S.C., to Plano, Tex.

Not that “Glorious Appearing” needs his help, Mr. Fillingane said.

“I really believe that there is a blessing on this series from the Lord,” he said. “Just like with the `Passion’ movie, it is all part of the warning we get before Christ returns.” He added, “Many people have asked me, Do you think they will finish the series before Christ comes?”

Over the last nine years, the “Left Behind” series, which is based on Dr. LaHaye’s literal, bloody interpretation of the Book of Revelation, has become one of the biggest surprise hits in American popular culture. The first 11 novels have sold more than 40 million copies. The authors have unseated John Grisham as the best-selling novelists for adults and, in some places where evangelical Christians are common, the books rival the Harry Potter series in sales. Along the way, the “Left Behind” books have drawn sharp criticism for elements like their emphasis on the conversion of Jews and their focus on the brutal rule of the Antichrist, who happens to head the United Nations.

“Glorious Appearing” is the most anticipated and potentially most controversial “Left Behind” novel yet: it is the installment in which Jesus himself finally returns.

“There is not going to be anything bigger than that,” said Chuck Wallington, president of the Christian Supply store in Spartanburg. He said he expected 1,000 buyers to turn up tomorrow for a book signing.

What I wrote about this series several years ago, when they were still at volume 6 or something, I think.