The recent translation of a Babylonian tablet launches a groundbreaking investigation into one of the most famous stories in the world, challenging the way we look at ancient history.

Since the Victorian period, it has been understood that the story of Noah, iconic in the Book of Genesis, and a central motif in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, derives from a much older story that existed centuries before in ancient Babylon. But the relationship between the Babylonian and biblical traditions was shrouded in mystery. Then, in 2009, Irving Finkel, a curator at the British Museum and a world authority on ancient Mesopotamia, found himself playing detective when a member of the public arrived at the museum with an intriguing cuneiform tablet from a family collection. Not only did the tablet reveal a new version of the Babylonian Flood Story; the ancient poet described the size and completely unexpected shape of the ark, and gave detailed boat building specifications. Decoding this ancient message wedge by cuneiform wedge, Dr. Finkel discovered where the Babylonians believed the ark came to rest and developed a new explanation of how the old story ultimately found its way into the Bible. In The Ark Before Noah, Dr. Finkel takes us on an adventurous voyage of discovery, opening the door to an enthralling world of ancient voices and new meanings.

About the Author

Dr. Irving Finkel is Assistant Keeper of ancient Mesopotamian script, languages, and cultures at the British Museum. He is the curator in charge of cuneiform inscriptions on tablets of clay from ancient Mesopotamia, of which the Middle East Department has the largest collection of any modern museum.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Hollander Books carries over 40,000 titles in English, Hebrew, Yiddish, German and other languages. Our sole specialty is Judaica. Our total stock numbers over 80,000 books. Our shop is located high above Downtown Los Angeles. We welcome visitors anytime except on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, but please contact me in advance to make certain we will be there when you arrive. I am currently attending Rabbinical School. As such availability to visitors is very limited when classes are in session. The best way to reach me is either through email or text. Thank you for your understanding.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Henry Hollander, Bookseller
CA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

When ordering through ABE keep in mind that you are not really our customer. You are ABE's customer. Abe has inserted a third party that is the actual processor of your credit card information. If you have a question about payment you should contact ABE. Hollander Books has no control of payment methods or conditions. We do not process your credit card. We never see any of your credit card information and if there is a problem we are completely powerless to respond to it. If you made a mistake i...

More Information

Shipping Terms

If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required. Why are our shipping rates so high? Because we charge you what the actual cost of shipping. We don't play games with out prices. If we can ship cheaper we adjust the price down. However, if we request additional shipping and you are not willing to accept those charges we will always cancel your order. WE NO LONGER SHIP TO BRAZIL.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 7.00	US$ 9.50

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.