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The Epic of Gilgamesh

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( 114,495 ratings, 7,572 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient Mesopotamian text that narrates the adventures of Gilgamesh, a part-divine king of Uruk. The story explores his friendship with Enkidu, their thrilling quests, and Gilgamesh's poignant journey to understand mortality, seeking wisdom and immortality. It's a profound exploration of human nature, the search for meaning, and the acceptance of life's limits.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by ancient literature and mythological tales that explore themes of friendship, mortality, and the quest for meaning. It's perfect for those interested in the foundational stories of human civilisation and the rich cultural heritage of Mesopotamia.

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Miraculously preserved on clay tablets dating back four thousand years, the poem of Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, is the world's oldest epic. The story tells of Gilgamesh's adventures with the wild man Enkidu. This text is translated by Andrew George.

A reissue of Andrew George's bestselling translation, now revised and expanded with the addition of newly discovered material.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Miraculously preserved on clay tablets dating back as much as four thousand years, the poem of Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, is the world's oldest epic, predating Homer by many centuries.

The story tells of Gilgamesh's adventures with the wild man Enkidu, and of his arduous journey to the ends of the earth in quest of the Babylonian Noah and the secret of immortality.

Alongside its themes of family, friendship, and the duties of kings, The Epic of Gilgamesh is, above all, about mankind's eternal struggle with the fear of death.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Epic of Gilgamesh has been highly praised for its masterful verse translation, with reviewers noting its ability to appeal to both scholarly audiences and the general public. Andrew George's translation is lauded for its skill in making this ancient text accessible while maintaining its academic integrity.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140449198

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 December 2002

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Andrew George
  • Introduction by Andrew George

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 199.0mm

Weight: 224g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Andrew George is Professor of Babylonian at SOAS (the School of Oriential and African Studies), part of the University of London. His research has taken him many times to Iraq to visit Babylon and other ancient sites, and to museums in Baghdad, Europe and North America to read the original clay tablets on which the scribes of ancient Iraq wrote.

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