The Epic of Gilgamesh - Softcover

Gilgamesh

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0865162506 ISBN 13: 9780865162501

Publisher: Headroom Publishing, 2008

Synopsis

The longing stretch toward the infinite . . . the reluctant embrace of the temporal. . . . This is the eternal lot of mankind. This is The Epic of Gilgamesh. Literature's first chronicle of search for meaning was born in the Cradle of Civilization over 4,000 years ago. Jackson's poetic rendition of humanity's first epic captures the passion and pathos of the search for the province and parameters of human existence, including an account of a great flood, paradise lost, man's relationship with gods and goddesses, and the inevitability of mortality. The universal themes explored in Gilgamesh continue to intrigue us in the 20th century.

About this title

About the Author

Danny P. Jackson is a teacher of Greek and Latin with degrees in comparative literature and classical languages. Formerly a project editor for Prentice Hall, a freelance journalist, and a teacher of English and religion, he has done preliminary work on a poetic rendition of Enuma Elish, the world's first recorded creation story, also from the ancient Near Eastern milieu. Jackson's work has appeared in The New York Times, National Catholic Reporter, English Journal, Phi Delta Kappan, Commonwealth, New Jersey Educational Review, Media & Methods and Ocean County Times Observer.

Robert D. Biggs is a professor of Assyriology with The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, editor of the Journal of Near Eastern Studies since 1971 and associate editor of The Assyrian Dictionary since 1964. He is widely published in the area of ancient Near Eastern studies; has translated cuneiform texts and inscriptions; and has participated in excavations of Near Eastern sites for The Oriental Institute, the Institute of Fine Arts of the Metropolitan Museum and the British Archaeological Expedition.

Thom Kapheim's creations can be found in art galleries and collections throughout the United States and in a traveling show of his paintings inspired by tales of mythology. His art also enhances editions of Prometheus Bound, Lucian: A True History and Carmina Burana.

From the Back Cover

This lyrical and moving presentation gives new meaning to the wonderful tale of Gilgamesh. Robert D. Briggs, The Oriental Institute of The University of Chicago.

The Epic of Gilgamesh is . . . the ancient prototype for the development of civilization. (E. Otha Wingo, Southeast Missouri State University).

. . . one of humanity's most magnificent poems. (Frederick Goldin, City College of New York).

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From Tablet I, Column i: Fame haunts the man who visits Hell, who lives to tell my entire tale identically. So like a sage, a trickster or saint,Gilgamesh was a hero who knew secrets and saw forbidden places, who could even speak of the time before the Flood because he lived long, learned much, and spoke his life to those who first cut into clay his bird-like words.

continued. . . .

From Tablet II, Column ii: Then Utnapishtim continued, saying words like these: By weeks' end I engineered designs for an acre's worth of floor upon the ark we built so that its walls rose straight toward heaven; with decks all round did I design its space; 120 cubits measured its deck. With division of six and of seven I patterned its squares and stairs; left space for portals too, secured its beams and stockpiled all that ever could be used. . . .

After one week, the ark was done, though launching was more work than fun since hull boards caught and snapped until the water burst most of its great ton. I supplied the craft with all I owned of silver, gold and seed. My clan brought on the food they'd eat and all things we thought we'd need. At last, it was my turn just then to shepherd beasts and birds and babies wet and loud. It was Shamash who ordained the time, saying: Prepare the way for your whole boat and set sail when the storm begins to threaten you.'

Edition details

• Publisher: Headroom Publishing
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0865162506
• ISBN 13: 9780865162501
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 60
• Editor: Rob Simone