Customer Reviews

The Revenge of Ishtar (Epic of Gilgamesh)

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My children and I are beginning a study of ancient civilizations and I bought the three Gilgamesh books to expand our coverage of ancient Sumer. These books are just amazing! The story itself is powerful but I wondered how the author was going to tone down some of the violence; not to mention the fact that Shamat was a prostitute in other versions. Ludmilla Zeman has brought this story to children with intensity and grace that comes as a complete surprise. I especially liked her painting of the chaste kiss between Shamat and Enkidu with the explanation that Shamat taught Enkidu to speak and together they explored the ways of love. Very tender.

In her illustrations, Ludmilla Zeman has made an attempt to incorporate actual historical artifacts. These are all high-quality books in every sense and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

We really appreciate the beauty of this series of books as it covers "The Epic of Gilgamesh" in an appropriate and accessible way for our children. We love to use actual historic documents in our study if possible, but the actual epic is too uncomfortably graphic even for our older children, so we use these for everyone as we study Mesopotamia, Sumer and Babylon. There are not many books that cover these Near East cultures, which makes this set especially valuable. Along with "Our Young Folks' Josephus" as our history spine, "Science in Ancient Mesopotamia" and "Ancient Egyptians and their Neighbors: An Activity Guide (covering Hittites, Nubians, Mesopopotamians and Egyptians) this series helps considerably to round out our ancient history studies and to teach our children about one of the most ancient tales in the world in a beautifully engaging way.

Gilgamesh the King

The Revenge of Ishtar:

"The city of Uruk had become the happiest place in the world....But the peace and joy did not last." When Shamhat, beloved of all who lived in Uruk, is killed, Gilgamesh gets Enkidu to promise to travel with him to seek revenge on the monster Humbaba, who is responsible for Shamhat's death. But completing their mission only brings more trouble as their success attracts the attention of Ishtar.

Can Gilgamesh and Enkidu hope to prevail against the wrath of a goddess? Will Ishtar ever leave Uruk in peace?

Written for eight to twelve year olds, this is the second book in a trilogy. The Mesopotamian styled illustrations add to the book's story. The author's note on the last page gives background information on Mesopotamia, the great forest, the story itself, the Game of Twenty Squares, and how this story came down to us.

I take issue with one thing in this book. The author chose to use the name Ishtar, which we are more familiar with, rather than Ishtar's Mesopotamian counterpart, in the telling--and the title--of this tale.

The Last Quest of Gilgamesh

The entire trilogy is excellent for elementary aged children. Even those a bit older could benefit from them. We used these books as a supplement to our homeschool study on ancient Mesopotamia. Not only are the books a great length but, the illustrations are outstanding! It really gives the children a visual of Mesopotamia. The kids were captivated throughout the entire book!

The book is in great shape.I haven't read it yet but looking to very soon.To Bad the book isn't longer,And has more Info.The Art work is very Good

This is a review of all THREE of Lumila Zeman's extraordinary trilogy that is certain to become a classic rendering, as well as a visual classic! Order all three in the series.

Gilgamesh The King
The Gilgamesh epic, humankind's first written story, inscribed on tablets over 5,000 years ago, permeates our religious traditions, our myths and our fairy tales. Here retold and magnificently illustrated in this oversize work (12" x 16"), human civilization's first written story still delights with adventure and romance, and provides insight into the human values we cherish most.

The Revenge of Ishtar
The second book in a three-part retelling of the Gilgamesh epic. Here, the two friends, Gilgamesh and Enkidu battle the monster Humbaba and then the Bull of Heaven sent by the goddess Ishtar out of anger and revenge for Gilgamesh's rejection of her. But her final revenge is to be a terrible illness upon Enkindu, sending a bereft Gilgamesh on a quest for the secret of immortality.

The Last Quest of Gilgamesh
Mourning for his beloved friend, Gilgamesh sets out to overcome death. In his quest he meets Utnapishtim (Noah) who recounts for him the story of the flood. These oversized, lavishly illustrated works are as much for adults as they are for our students! You want all three volumes.

Teachers/Librarians: A MUST HAVE for 5th grade to adult, Social Studies/Humanities. AND be certain to check our Luglabanda!

Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War. An Epic Tale From Ancient Iraq

Told by Kathy Henderson, illustrated by Jane Ray - Candlewick Press, 2006

Both timely and timeless, Lugalbanda is the oldest-known written story, predating even the epic of Gilgamesh. This is the story of Gilgamesh's father, Lugalbanda! The cuneiform tablets on which this Sumerian legend was inscribed were discovered in the 19th century, but not deciphered until the 1970's.

In this retelling of the ancient Sumerian tale, young prince Lugalbanda is determined to join his brother in battle, but he collapses during the arduous journey. From generous gods and goddesses, he acquires the strength and magical powers that allow him to help bring a peaceful resolution to war. In fascinating notes, Henderson introduces the tale as one of the oldest stories known to humankind, and she describes how she pieced together her retelling from translations of clay tablets recovered from present-day Iraq. She notes that "just before the 2003 invasion of Iraq, I came across the story of Lugalbanda, and it hit me like a thump in the chest. This was much too important to be left to the world of adults. And so the project began."

The adventure story and the luminous, beautifully detailed watercolors of young men and gods will easily capture today's children. The background facts about the Sumerians, who are credited with the invention of written language, also make this title a valuable nonfiction resource.

The book will partner very well with Ludmilla Zeman's 3-book set, Gilgamesh (1992).

Teachers/Librarians: This one works for 3rd grade - adult - Social Studies / Humanities