R. Campbell Thompson

The Epic of Gilgamesh is among the earliest surviving works of literature, with the earliest versions dating from around the Third Dynasty of Ur in early Sumeria (2150-2000 BC). Preserved in Cuneiform, the Epic was retold over the centuries, and the most complete version was discovered in the ruins of the library palace of the seventh century BC Assyrian king, Ashurbanipal. The Epic is most notable as being the obvious source of the biblical story of Noah and the flood. Taken up into Judaism, and then into Christianity, the book of Genesis copies almost every detail of the flood from the earlier Sumerian work. The Epic tells the story of the king of Uruk, Gilgamesh, and his adventures with his erstwhile foe and then friend, Enkidu. Together they journey to the Cedar Mountain to defeat Humbaba, its monstrous guardian, then they kill the Bull of Heaven, which the goddess Ishtar sends to punish Gilgamesh for spurning her advances. As a punishment for these actions, the gods sentence Enkidu to death. Gilgamesh then sets out to avoid his friend's fate and seek the secret to eternal life, a quest in which he is ultimately thwarted. Contains original author's preface and a new overview of the storyline.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

Volume II of “The Devils And Evil Spirits Of Babylonia”, a 1903 work by Reginald C. Thompson that looks at the religion and spiritual beliefs of Babylon, the powerful kingdom in ancient Mesopotamia that existed from the 18th to 6th centuries BC. It includes English translations of various 'Evil Spirit Texts', which form large and important sections of the native literature concerning Babylonian and Assyrian demonology. Reginald Campbell Thompson (1876 – 1941) was a British archaeologist, cuneiformist, and Assyriologist. He is famous for his work on excavations at Nineveh, Ur, Nebo and Carchemish. Other notable works by this author include: “The Devils and Evil Spirits of Babylonia” (1903–1904), “Semitic Magic: its Origins and Development” (1908), and “Archaeologia, Vol LXX” (1921). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

The Devils And Evil Spirits Of Babylonia - Being Babylonian And Assyrian Incantations Against The Demons, Ghouls, Vampires, Hobgoblins, Ghosts, And Kindred Evil Spirits, Which Attack Mankind - Volume II

A study of magical practices including direct translations of spells, rituals, and incantations in ancient Western Asia, the birthplace of Western civilization. Using knowledge preserved in cuneiform incantation tablets from Assyria, aided by Rabbinic tradition, Syriac writings, and Arabic tales, Thompson tracks early magical practices through 3000 years to its vestigial traces in contemporary society.

Its Origins and Development

Semitic Magic

Delphi Classics

The Epic of Gilgamesh - Old Babylonian and Standard versions (Illustrated)

The Epic of Gilgamish

A study of magical practices including direct translations of spells, rituals, and incantations in ancient Western Asia, the birthplace of Western civilization. Using knowledge preserved in cuneiform incantation tablets from Assyria, aided by Rabbinic tradition, Syriac writings, and Arabic tales, Thompson tracks early magical practices through 3000 years to its vestigial traces in contemporary society. Smythe-sewn. Index. Appendix. Collectors: these special editions go quickly!

R. Campbell Thompson

Books

Your next favorite book is out there