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. Our revised 2nd edition of mankind’s first epic features a lucid historical and cultural introduction by Dr. Robert D. Biggs, a new interpretive essay on the themes of Gilgamesh by Dr. James G. Keenan and their echoes in other literature, and the ancient world as well as original illustrations.
Though The Epic of Gilgamesh exists in several editions, this version has been undertaken with a very specific intent—to remain faithful to the source material while attempting to convey the poetic scope of a work that is both lusty and tender and that retains the ability to arouse compassion and empathy in all who follow Gilgamesh on his journey. This edition aims to reanimate the story of Gilgamesh and Enkidu for all readers, bringing it new life through the addition of reader resources and a rendition that resounds with indelible poetic images.
The Bolchazy-Carducci edition of The Epic of Gilgamesh has gained impressive recognition in the publishing world. First, it was chosen by Prentice Hall for Literature of the Ancient World, vol. I (New York, 2000). Then fine art publisher D. G. GraubArt chose it for their lavishly illustrated Hebrew/English edition, The Epic of Gilgamesh: A Myth Revisited (Jerusalem and Wauconda, 2001). The Great Books Foundation has added the Jackson’s rendition of The Epic of Gilgamesh to its “Great Conversations”∫ series (Chicago, 2004). Finally, in 2005 this book was republished in its entirety in Turkish.
Special Features
- Illustrated introduction by Dr. Robert D. Biggs of The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago
- Interpretive essay by Dr. James G. Keenan of Loyola University Chicago
- Highly engaging and readable English poetic rendition of The Epic of Gilgamesh
- Historical and literary overview
- 18 photographs and illustrations from the ancient world
- 15 original woodcut prints
- Glossary with pronunciation key
- Select bibliography
- Great Books discussion questions
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.