An old Babylonian version of the Gilgamesh epic
An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic, on the Basis of Recently Discovered Texts by M. Jastrow and A. T. Clay, published in 1920, is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on one of the oldest known works of literature in human history. The Gilgamesh Epic is a Sumerian poem that dates back to the third millennium BCE and tells the story of Gilgamesh, a legendary king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality.
In this book, Jastrow and Clay present a detailed analysis of recently discovered texts that provide a new and more complete version of the Gilgamesh Epic. These texts, written in Old Babylonian cuneiform script, were unearthed in the early 20th century and have since revolutionized our understanding of this ancient tale.
The authors meticulously compare the new texts with previously known versions of the Gilgamesh Epic, highlighting the differences and similarities between them. They also provide a detailed commentary on the content of the new texts, offering insights into the themes, characters, and cultural context of the epic.
One of the key contributions of this book is the inclusion of a transliteration and translation of the new texts, allowing readers to access the original source material and engage with the text in its original language. This adds a new layer of depth and authenticity to our understanding of the Gilgamesh Epic.
Overall, An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic is a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts of ancient literature. It offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of newly discovered texts that have the potential to reshape our understanding of one of the most important works of literature from the ancient world.
