Epic of Gilgamesh: A New English Version

Description

Gilgamesh is considered one of the masterpieces of world literature, but until now there has not been a version that is a superlative literary text in its own right. Acclaimed by critics and scholars, Stephen Mitchell’s version allows us to enter an ancient masterpiece as if for the first time, to see how startlingly beautiful, intelligent, and alive it is. The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known works of literature, originating from ancient Mesopotamia.

It follows King Gilgamesh of Uruk, who begins as a tyrant but transforms through friendship with the wild man Enkidu and the grief that follows his death. Driven by a fear of mortality, Gilgamesh embarks on a quest for eternal life, encountering gods, monsters, and forgotten wisdom. In the end, he learns that true immortality lies not in living forever, but in the lasting legacy one leaves behind.

Author Translated Stephen Mitchell Author Info Stephen Mitchell was born in Brooklyn in 1943, educated at Amherst, the Sorbo e, and Yale, and de-educated through intensive Zen practice. His many books include the bestselling Tao Te Ching, Gilgamesh, The Gospel According to Jesus, Bhagavad Gita, The Book of Job, The Second Book of the Tao, The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, The Iliad, The Odyssey, Beowulf, The Way of Forgiveness, and the forthcoming The First Christmas. He is also the coauthor of three of his wife Byron Katie’s bestselling books: Loving What Is, A Thousand Names for Joy, and A Mind at Home with Itself.

You can read extensive excerpts from all his books on his website, stephenmitchellbooks.com. ISBN-13 978-0743261692 Publisher Washington Square Press Publication Date February 1, 2006 Binding Paperback Condition New Page Count 290 Pages