This book is a new translation and interpretation of the Epic of Gilgamesh by Andrew George. Other than the epic poem itself, it also contains many additional contents, such as a nice introduction of the history and origin of this epic, the story behind the translation, and list of deities' names.

The epic poem itself, though we may find it too simple, contains rich and deep philosophical thoughts of the people in ancient Mesopotamia at that time. We may be surprised at how the Epic of Gilgamesh, written in millennia BCE, influences many famous literature in the world, most notably the Old Testament and other books of the Abrahamaic religions. In each of the chapters, Andrew George provides us the summary and also elaborate analysis so the reader can compare their understanding with a scholar’s.

The most important message from Epic of Gilgamesh tells us about is the importance of the remembrance of death and how it is futile to seek immortality and accept life for what is, thus encouraging a person to live it to the fullest. Other than that, the epic also tells us about the dichotomy of free, pure and innocent life in the wild against the modern, urban city life of Uruk, which became quite popular tropes we can find in the other, much modern literature. It also tells us about the coming-of-age of the king Gilgamesh, from previously a tyrannical young monarch into becoming a mature man.

Not only is the epic poem itself amazing, but also the story behind the making of this book is astounding. Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient epic poem that was known in Mesopotamia for over 5000 years ago, preserved by a series of fragments of clay tablets scattered in many places in ancient near east, Levant, and Anatolia. The years of hard work of the many archaeologists, historians, and linguists to gather, decipher, and construct this epic poem and then make this book to be possible and available for many readers around the world is a great story by itself. This is told in one of the late chapters in the book.

Overall, this is a book of great value that I recommend everyone, especially those who have interests in ancient literature and ancient philosophies to read. ( )

It was alright...actually my cooperating teacher has a version geared toward a younger audience, which is a lot more forthright than this translation. I'd be interested in learning Sumerian and translating it for myself. :) We're using it along with Siddhartha to teach about "the hero." I like Siddhartha better. ( )

Het verhaal uit de oudheid, overgeleverd op kleitabletten in spijkerschrift in het Akkadisch en Sumerisch. Er zijn intussen heel veel kleitabletten gevonden met de teksten of delen ervan erop, en zo kan onderhand een groot deel van het verhaal worden naverteld. Over Gilgamesh die met zijn vriend Enkidu de bewaker van het Cederwoud doodt en dan daar ceders velt, en over de overwinning van die twee op de Hemelstier, die door de door Gilgamesh afgewezen godin van de liefde op hen wordt afgestuurd. Als Gilgamesh bang wordt voor de dood, gaat Enkidu voor hem op onderzoek uit in de onderwereld.
Het laatste fragment vertelt van de dood van Gilgamesh, die voordat dat gebeurt op een geheime plek in de Eufraat een graftombe laat bouwen, waarin hij geschenken voor de goden klaarlegt en waarin ook de mensen uit zijn gezin en zijn gevolg met hem mee de dood ingaan.

A bit of background: The Epic of Gilgamesh is old. It's very, very old. So old, it's more than a little amazing that any of it has survived, let alone enough to put together a cohesive narrative.

The Epic of Gilgamesh is also bizarre. A bizarre, old story. It's got elements common to familiar creation myths---a flood, a descent from a state of nature precipitated by a wily female---and a really close friendship that seems to be based on the fact that both guys are the biggest and strongest guys around and on their shared interest in gratuitous deforestation.

Perhaps my favorite part is Gilgamesh's journey after Enkidu's death. After all of the wanton violence, I appreciate the self-doubt Gilgamesh shows and the wisdom of Uta-Napishti, which the sage delivers with just a little smugness.

I've not read any other translations of The Epic of Gilgamesh, but this one by Andrew George worked for me. ( )

I was amazed by the mechanics of translation as described by the author. The story is timeless and I enjoyed every minute of reading it. Gave it to the church library.
( )