"The Revelation calls for quite a few comments and explanations. I have not attempted such a task. There are many valid interpretations. One can easily acquire these. From them, I have gathered the few that I present in my notes, trying to limit them to a minimum and to stick to those that are generally accepted.

I did not seek to clarify the Revelation, which is something that people more knowledgeable than I have done. But with the knowledge, skills, and dedication that I have been fortunate to possess, I wanted to transcribe the old text into our contemporary language. I did not seek to analyze or dissolve its expression. On the contrary, I was happy when I could retain its roughness, I would say, and the inspiration that gives it a divine thrill.

The Revelation is not the text of one time and one generation of people, but of all times and all generations."

[Excerpt from translator's note]