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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Three major poems and some shorter pieces from ancient Mesopotamia wedged in between copious introductory and explanatory notes. Enuma elish, Inanna's Descent to the Underwold and the story of Adapa are the three main stories.
Please read the full review here.
Please read the full review here.
challenging
informative
slow-paced
I really enjoyed this book. Not only was the poetry interesting to read, but I also really appreciated how in-depth Sandars was with her introductions before each poem. I feel like a learned a lot reading this book, and I've definitely put holds on all of the other books by her that my library has!
If you want to both read Mesopotamian poetry and learn a lot about Mesopotamian culture and literature, this is a solid choice. It's a bit old, but it's one of the easier books on this topic to find outside of Assyriology libraries.
I have noticed some books have segments after the translation of the poem, while others have it before. Personally, I prefer to read about the poem before I read the translation because it helps me to get more out of it. I appreciated that Sandars arranged the book in this order.
If you want to both read Mesopotamian poetry and learn a lot about Mesopotamian culture and literature, this is a solid choice. It's a bit old, but it's one of the easier books on this topic to find outside of Assyriology libraries.
I have noticed some books have segments after the translation of the poem, while others have it before. Personally, I prefer to read about the poem before I read the translation because it helps me to get more out of it. I appreciated that Sandars arranged the book in this order.
Haven't had much exposure to mythology this old that isn't Greek/Roman. Interesting.