Gilgamesh : A Verse Narrative

Rating:
Summary: Gilgamesh
Review: I had to read this book for a school World History class. This tale of the ancient god Gilgamesh, was written in free-form verses. This book was short, with an intresting and thought-provocking introduction and conclusion. I have not read other translations, but this one semmed very benificial to the high-school aged student. Although I did not really enjoy the story, it really forced you to think; about life, death, and immortality. Also included was a great feature, a glossey at the back of the book so you could look up proper nouns when you got confused. I found the glossery so helpful as I read this book. In conclusion, although this book was not my peferred style of writing, this is a very good translation of an epic tale.

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful myth
Review: I read this book in my western civ class during college. I was not sure what to expect from it, but found that I was pulled in and the book and meaning of the book would not let go. This is the meaning of life at its best. Athough not much history is involved with this epic tale, the writing is. This well done verse translation gives a glossary at the end of the book to help with hard to pronouce words and makes the read a bit easier. I do suggest reading this great book. It is very well done.

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful myth
Review: I read this book in my western civ class during college. I was not sure what to expect from it, but found that I was pulled in and the book and meaning of the book would not let go. This is the meaning of life at its best. Athough not much history is involved with this epic tale, the writing is. This well done verse translation gives a glossary at the end of the book to help with hard to pronouce words and makes the read a bit easier. I do suggest reading this great book. It is very well done.

Rating:
Summary: the best
Review: I'm not a student of all the different translations, but this one, which was for a storytelling class, has stayed with me as one of my favorite tales ever. The prose is so simple, so beautiful, and yet it still so rich in exploring the themes of friendship and loss, immortality and grieving. The storytelling elements are in perfect form, the three battles that bring the two friends together, making Gilgamesh mortal by taking away his friend. Then, the increasingly futile efforts to revive his friend (himself), and a final glimpse of optimism at the end, or at least acceptance.
Along with John Gardner's "Grendel", this book stays close to my heart.

Rating:
Summary: A deep view of the meaning of life
Review: While there cannot be much doubt as to the cultural value of the Epic of Gilgamesh, the importance of the story transceds mere literary significance. The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of those simple and yet deeply insightful stories that one can relate to. The verse narrative style that mason adopts, while by no means a flawless poetic translation, takes you through the events in a seamlessly captivating manner. One can infer a lot from the story about the meaning of life, especially as regards how the ancient ones chose to answer questions such as eternity and why humans cannot live forever (u'll have to figure out which part of the story I am talking about!!).
Overall this is a great reading. Shouldnt take too long to finish either, although I recommend that you take your time reading this one.