Ancient Near East: Historical Sources in Translation(Blackwell Sourcebooks in Ancient History) [Paperback]

Mark W. Chavalas (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0631235817 | ISBN-13: 978-0631235811 | Publication Date: July 31, 2006 | Edition: 1

This book presents new translations of Mesopotamian and ancient Near Eastern historiographic texts, providing the reader with the primary sources for the history of the ancient Near East.

• A primary source book presenting new translations of Mesopotamian and ancient Near Eastern historiographic texts, and other related materials.
  
• Helps readers to understand the historical context of the Near East.
  
• Covers the period from the earliest historical and literary texts (c.2700 B.C.) to the latest Hellenistic historians who comment on ancient Near Eastern history (c.250 B.C.)
  
• Texts range from the code of Hammurabi to the Assyrian royal inscriptions.
  
• A detailed commentary is provided on each text, placing it in its historical and cultural context.
  
• Maps, illustrations and a chronological table help to orientate the reader.

Editorial Reviews

Review

?All of these scholars are to be applauded for the excellence of their work.? (Journal of American Oriental Society , January 2008)

A Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2007

"Blackwell has rendered an excellent service to the study of the Ancient Near East by undergraduates ? and, indeed, to those of the general public with anything more than superficial interest in the subject ... Chavalas provides a solid textual basis for a better understanding of this area."
Scholia

"Mark W. Chavalas has gathered an excellent ensemble of scholars and doctoral candidates to edit and translate representative historical texts from the major cultures of the ancient Near East into English ... Students and non-specialists who are embarking on the study of the ancient Near East would do well to consult The Ancient Near East for a quick reference to Near Eastern historical documents."
Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"An invaluable reference for most academic and large public libraries."
Choice

"An extremely full selection of texts of historical import and an invaluable resource for college and university teaching. The extensive commentaries make it accessible for anyone interested in investigating the manner in which the peoples of the ancient Near East represented their past."
Gary Beckman, University of Michigan

?Chavalas has assembled a sterling cast of translators. The historical introductions bristle with insights and the book gives us 'history from above' in the best sense.?
Daniel C. Snell, The University of Oklahoma

?Mark Chavalas has gathered an impressive international group of scholars, who offer a judicious sampling of texts from Mesopotamia and related ancient Near Eastern cultures. The texts are carefully translated and liberally provided with illuminating introductions and commentary. In all, a volume that should become a prized resource for students and scholars alike.?
Peter Machinist, Harvard University

?A welcome and affordable anthology in English and the editor and the contributors deserve our thanks for their efforts. It is extremely readable, the translations are admirably put into context and by and large excellent.?
J.G. Dercksen, Boekbesprekingen - Algemeen

?This much-needed, well-done primary sourcebook ? is a must for anyone teaching the history of the ancient Near East.?
Religious Studies Review

From the Back Cover

This book provides the reader with the primary sources for the history of the ancient Near East. Covering the period from the earliest historical and literary texts (ca. 2700 BC) to the advent of Alexander the Great (331 BC), it presents new translations of Mesopotamian and ancient Near Eastern historiographic texts, and other related materials.

An opening chapter sets out the themes of the book and discusses the difficulties of translating cuneiform texts into English, as well as the difficulty of reconstructing ancient Near Eastern history from textual sources. Texts featured in the main body of the book range from the code of Hammurabi to the Assyrian royal inscriptions. For each text, a detailed commentary is provided, placing it in its historical and cultural context. A map helps to orient the reader.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 472 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (July 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631235817
• ISBN-13: 978-0631235811
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #473,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is a very good source of Hittite texts, June 26, 2011

By 

K. S. GIANNAKOS (PIRAEUS Greece) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ancient Near East: Historical Sources in Translation (Blackwell Sourcebooks in Ancient History) (Hardcover)

It is a very good source of Hittite texts. It could be a little better if it could cover a greater variety of the Hittite tab;ets.