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In 1872, a young archaeologist at the British Museum made a tremendous discovery. While he was working his way through a Mesopotamian ‘slush pile’, George Smith, a self-taught expert in ancient languages, happened upon a Babylonian version of Noah’s Flood. His research suggested this ‘Deluge Tablet’ pre-dated the writing of Genesis by a millennium or more. Smith went on to translate what later became The Epic of Gilgamesh, perhaps the oldest and most complete work of literature from any culture. Against the backdrop of innovative readings of a range of paintings, novels, histories and photographs (by figures like Dickens, Eliot, James, Dyce, Turner, Macaulay and Carlyle), this book demonstrates the Gordian complexity of the Victorians’ relationship with history, while also seeking to highlight the Epic’s role in influencing models of time in late-Victorian geology. Discovering Gilgamesh will be of interest to readers, students and researchers in literary studies, Victorian studies, history, intellectual history, art history and archaeology.
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An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic stands as a monumental anthology that dives deep into the ancient Mesopotamian literary tradition, offering readers a unique opportunity to engage with one of the earliest known pieces of world literature through its diverse narratological perspectives and varied stylistic approaches. The collection brings together different versions of the Epic of Gilgamesh, juxtaposing them to showcase the range of themesincluding friendship, heroism, and the quest for immortalitythat have resonated through millennia. The inclusion of critical essays enriches the anthology, providing interpretations and comparative studies that underscore the epic's enduring legacy and its influence on later literary works. The editors, Morris Jastrow and Albert Tobias Clay, are distinguished scholars whose expertise in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology brings invaluable insights into the text's contextual backdrop. Their backgrounds ensure a meticulous compendium that spans historical, cultural, and literary movements, aligning the ancient epic with its significant place in the canon of world literature. The collective effort underscores a scholarly endeavor to bridge the literary and cultural divides between the ancient and modern worlds. This anthology is recommended for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of ancient Mesopotamian culture and literature. An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic offers a unique lens through which to explore fundamental human themes, presented through a convergence of historical epochs and literary expressions. It invites an audience of scholars, students, and literary enthusiasts alike to engage with the multifaceted layers of one of civilization's earliest masterpieces, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of ancient storytelling and its relevance today.
Gilgamesh is considered one of the masterpieces of world literature, and although previously there have been competent scholarly translations of it, until now there has not been a version that is a superlative literary text in its own right. Acclaimed translator Stephen Mitchell's lithe, muscular rendering allows us to enter an ancient masterpiece as if for the first time, to see how startlingly beautiful, intelligent, and alive it is. His insightful introduction provides a historical, spiritual, and cultural context for this ancient epic, showing that Gilgamesh is more potent and fascinating than ever. Gilgamesh dates from as early as 1700 BCE -- a thousand years before the Iliad. Lost for almost two millennia, the eleven clay tablets on which the epic was inscribed were discovered in 1853 in the ruins of Nineveh, and the text was not deciphered and fully translated until the end of the century. When the great poet Rainer Maria Rilke first read Gilgamesh in 1916, he was awestruck. "Gilgamesh is stupendous," he wrote. "I consider it to be among the greatest things that can happen to a person." The epic is the story of literature's first hero -- the king of Uruk in what is present-day Iraq -- and his journey of self-discovery. Along the way, Gilgamesh discovers that friendship can bring peace to a whole city, that a preemptive attack on a monster can have dire consequences, and that wisdom can be found only when the quest for it is abandoned. In giving voice to grief and the fear of death -- perhaps more powerfully than any book written after it -- in portraying love and vulnerability and the ego's hopeless striving for immortality, the epic has become a personal testimony for millions of readers in dozens of languages.
Adventurers, explorers, kings, gods, and goddesses come to life in this riveting story of the first great epic—lost to the world for 2,000 years, and rediscovered in the nineteenth century Composed by a poet and priest in Middle Babylonia around 1200 bce, The Epic of Gilgamesh foreshadowed later stories that would become as fundamental as any in human history, The Odyssey and the Bible. But in 600 bce, the clay tablets that bore the story were lost—buried beneath ashes and ruins when the library of the wild king Ashurbanipal was sacked in a raid. The Buried Book begins with the rediscovery of the epic and its deciphering in 1872 by George Smith, a brilliant self-taught linguist who created a sensation when he discovered Gilgamesh among the thousands of tablets in the British Museum's collection. From there the story goes backward in time, all the way to Gilgamesh himself. Damrosch reveals the story as a literary bridge between East and West: a document lost in Babylonia, discovered by an Iraqi, decoded by an Englishman, and appropriated in novels by both Philip Roth and Saddam Hussein. This is an illuminating, fast-paced tale of history as it was written, stolen, lost, and—after 2,000 years, countless battles, fevered digs, conspiracies, and revelations—finally found.
This epic poem is the oldest known to exist in history, predating Homer's Iliad by about 1500 years. Gilgamesh, the hero, discovers he has godly blood, so sets out on a journey to the land of the gods in an attempt to gain entry. It is of ancient Sumerian origin, from the land called Mesopotamia. It is an important work for those studying ancient literature, history and mythology. This Babylonian version is one of the oldest known, if not the oldest. Later renditions are more common and seem to embellish the story, so this work is important for serious researchers. From the standpoint of literature alone, it is also an interesting tale that is enjoyable to read.
This volume presents Babylon as it has been passed down through Western culture: through the Bible, classical texts, in Medieval travel accounts, and through depictions of the Tower motif in art. It then details the discovery of the material culture remains of Babylon from the middle of the 19th century and through the great excavation of 1899-1917, and focuses on the encounter between the Babylon of tradition and the Babylon unearthed by the archaeologists. This book is unique in its multi-disciplinary approach, combining expertise in biblical studies and Assyriology with perspectives on history, art history, intellectual history, reception studies and contemporary issues.
Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, and his companion Enkidu are the only heroes to have survived from the ancient literature of Babylon, immortalized in this epic poem that dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. Together they journey to the Spring of Youth, defeat the Bull of Heaven and slay the monster Humbaba. When Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh's grief and fear of death are such that they lead him to undertake a quest for eternal life. A timeless tale of morality, tragedy and pure adventure, The Epic of Gilgamesh is a landmark literary exploration of man's search for immortality.
Discover the Ancient Epic of Gilgamesh in 'An Old Babylonian Version' by Morris Jastrow and Albert Tobias Clay Embark on a journey to the dawn of civilization with 'An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic' by Morris Jastrow and Albert Tobias Clay. In this groundbreaking work, readers are transported to ancient Mesopotamia, where the epic tale of Gilgamesh, the legendary king of Uruk, unfolds in all its glory. Experience the Oldest Epic in Human History In 'An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic,' Jastrow and Clay present a meticulously translated and annotated edition of the ancient text, offering readers a rare glimpse into the world of ancient Mesopotamia. As they follow Gilgamesh on his quest for immortality and wisdom, readers are treated to a rich tapestry of myth, legend, and adventure. With its vivid imagery, evocative language, and timeless themes, the Gilgamesh Epic continues to captivate readers with its portrayal of heroism, friendship, and the human condition. Whether you're exploring the majestic city of Uruk or venturing into the depths of the Cedar Forest, every page is filled with wonder and intrigue. Discover the Legacy of Gilgamesh 'An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic' is more than just a literary masterpiece; it is a window into the soul of ancient Mesopotamia. Through Gilgamesh's adventures, readers gain insight into the values, beliefs, and aspirations of one of the world's oldest civilizations. With its timeless themes of mortality, friendship, and the search for meaning, the Gilgamesh Epic remains as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. Jastrow and Clay's meticulous scholarship and insightful commentary ensure that readers will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this ancient masterpiece. Why 'An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic' Is a Must-Read for Literature Enthusiasts: Ancient Wisdom: Immerse yourself in the wisdom of ancient Mesopotamia as you journey alongside Gilgamesh on his quest for immortality and enlightenment. Historical Insight: Gain insight into the culture, society, and mythology of ancient Mesopotamia through Jastrow and Clay's meticulous translation and commentary. Universal Themes: Explore timeless themes of heroism, friendship, and the search for meaning that resonate across cultures and centuries. Perfect Gift: Share the wonder and majesty of 'An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic' with friends and family by gifting them a copy of the book. It's the perfect choice for anyone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of ancient literature.Don't miss your chance to explore the ancient world of Gilgamesh with 'An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic' by Morris Jastrow and Albert Tobias Clay. Grab your copy today and prepare to be swept away on a journey through time, myth, and legend.
Contained on fifteen of the cuneiform tables uncovered at the ancient Canaanite city of Ugarit are the four major oral Ugartic myths of Aqhat, The Healers, Kirta and Baal. Stories from Ancient Canaan is the first to offer a one-volume translation of all four. This accessible book teaches the principal Canaanite religious literature, and will be useful to students of the history of religion, of the Bible, and of comparative literature.