Author Description
These ancient stories from the cradle of civilization--ancient Mesopotamia--stand alongside the Odyssey in their popularity. The collection includes the great literary composition, The Epic of Gilgamesh, a story of a heroic quest for fame and immortality.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This collection investigates the foundational literary narratives of ancient Mesopotamia to provide accessible translations of the region's most significant mythological texts. Stephanie Dalley, a scholar of Assyriology, utilizes her expertise in cuneiform languages to present these stories to a modern audience. By curating texts such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and various creation myths, the work argues for the enduring cultural and historical importance of these narratives in the development of human storytelling.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Translations of the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Atrahasis, and the Descent of Ishtar
- Contextual introductions for each myth explaining their historical and religious significance
- Explanations of the linguistic challenges inherent in translating ancient cuneiform tablets
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide an exhaustive archaeological history of the Mesopotamian region
- It does not offer a comparative analysis of these myths against later religious traditions
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and students frequently cite this volume as a reliable and readable entry point into Mesopotamian literature. Experts highlight the precision of Dalley's translations, noting that the text maintains academic rigor while remaining accessible to the general reader.
Page Count:
358
Publication Date:
1991-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford Univ Pr
ISBN-10:
0192817892
ISBN-13:
9780192817891
Ancient History
Folklore
Mythology
Literature