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The Ancient Near East

An Anthology of Texts and Pictures

James B Pritchard editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Princeton University Press

Published:10th Dec '10

Should be back in stock very soon

The Ancient Near East cover

This comprehensive anthology features over 130 readings and 300 photographs, offering insights into significant texts of the ancient Near East, including the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Code of Hammurabi.

The Ancient Near East serves as a comprehensive introduction to the rich tapestry of texts and artifacts from one of the world's most significant historical regions. This anthology features over 130 reading selections that encompass some of the most notable works, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Creation Epic (Enuma elish), the Code of Hammurabi, and the Baal Cycle. With more than 300 photographs showcasing ancient art, architecture, and artifacts, the book offers a visually engaging experience that complements the written material.

Compiled by James Pritchard, this volume merges two of his classic anthologies, making it a valuable resource for students and enthusiasts of history, religion, archaeology, and anthropology. The new foreword provides context for the translations, helping readers appreciate the cultural significance of these ancient texts. The anthology represents a diverse array of cultures and languages from the ancient Near East, including Sumerian, Akkadian, Egyptian, Hittite, Ugaritic, Canaanite, and Aramaic.

The book covers a wide range of genres, from historical narratives and legal texts to hymns and love poetry. This variety allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of ancient societies. Fully indexed for ease of navigation, The Ancient Near East stands out as a unique collection that offers insight into the literary, historical, and religious dimensions of a foundational region in human civilization.

"Pritchard enlisted some of the best scholars of his day to translate myths from Mesopotamia, novellas from Egypt, and calendars from Palestine. They provide an amazing backdrop to reread, and in some cases reinterpret, the Bible. Furthermore, the translations themselves are works of art... These translations have staying power. Not only do they convey the cultural environment of the biblical world but they do so with elegance and timeliness. The translators achieved an admirable balance of fidelity to the original compositions and imaginative creativity."--Books & Culture "While there are other collections of texts published more recently with some more current translations, there is no extant, modestly priced volume that includes both texts and pictures tor the many cultures this one includes... [T]his volume can serve well in personal, public, school, and small college libraries with its modest price and collected materials. It provides a wealth of material useful for understanding the ancient Near East."--Susan Tower Hollis, American Reference Books Annual "I recommend the new edition to all academic libraries in light of the quantity of primary source material... [I]t would make an excellent classroom resource."--Tyler Mayfield, Religious Studies Review

ISBN: 9780691147260

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 964g

656 pages