Gilgamesh: The New Translation Audiobook By Gerald J. Davis cover art

Gilgamesh: The New Translation

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Gilgamesh: The New Translation

By: Gerald J. Davis
Narrated by: John Hanks
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The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest story that has come down to us through the ages of history. It predates the Bible, The Iliad and The Odyssey. The Epic of Gilgamesh relates the tale of the fifth king of the first dynasty of Uruk (in what is modern-day Iraq), who reigned for 126 years, according to the ancient Sumerian list of kings. Gilgamesh was first inscribed in cuneiform writing on clay tablets by an unknown author during the Sumerian era and has been described as one of the greatest works of literature in the recounting of mankind's unending quest for immortality.

©2014 Gerald J. Davis (P)2015 Gerald J. Davis Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Classics Middle Eastern Poetry World Literature

Critic reviews

"Gilgamesh is monumental!" (Rainer Maria Rilke)
Vibrant Imagery • Lyrical Translation • Vivid Narration • Epic Story • Accessible Adaptation • Ancient Entertainment
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What did you love best about Gilgamesh: The New Translation?

I loved that this book was older than anything I have ever read by multiple millennia

Would you be willing to try another book from Gerald J. Davis? Why or why not?

Probably not. IDK. I read this book because I have heard the name of it so many times I figured I was doing myself a disservice not to listen.

Any additional comments?

I'm glad I listened to the book, although I wasn't all that intrigued. I'm not that surprised though, after many translations and four millennia, it's understandably different from what I expect a book to be. I do recommend it though. I'm glad I listened.

It was... OK. Still worth the listen though.

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Very good narration and also it seems, decent translation of an amazing work of literature. Amazing story, it's such a treat that it has been preserved through the ages. So many topics that are forever relevant to humanity. If you are not familiar with this epic, this is a must listen.

The Eternal search for Eternal life

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I liked the story. And I recommend this to every listener. You will enjoy this, indeed!

Interesting!

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Listener received this title free

I really enjoyed this version of the tales of Gilgamesh. The story is great and easy to follow. As an added bonus the narration is done fantastic by John Hanks

Great read

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This story could be told in an hour, but it constantly repeats itself. The story seems adventurous, but the flow is like taking one step forward and two steps back.

Repeats over and over, like listening to a child

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Where does Gilgamesh: The New Translation rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to.

What did you like best about this story?

The inspiring and majestic story line.

What does John Hanks bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His acting ability to breathe life into the words is extraordinary.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The eternal words of Siduri, the Maker of Wine.

Magnificent!

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you're best off just watching a 10 minute YouTube video. lots and lots of repetition

very redundant

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I’ve read/heard a few versions over the years, but this one was one of the most enjoyable—if not the best translation I’ve come across. Translations should be relatable without losing a sense of the poetry and culture of its time, and this translation maintains the vibrancy and vivid imagery I imagine ancient listeners would have expected from their entertainment, all the while feeling fairly modern in its telling.

Excellent translation

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it's a CLASIC
dont rely oncomosofrom the ttableta a great listen a foundation al stoty

intrrestingsubject nice translation worthwrth a credit

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This is the only translation of Gilgamesh I have read. This epic is reputed to be a pre-Biblical Sumerian/Akkadian text. Gilgamesh was a king of Uruk. Uruk was located in modern day Iraq.

The story is somewhat like some Old Testament stories in that some passages are repetitive. It is interesting to see a non-Biblical account of the Deluge that so parallels the biblical account.

Since the Sumerians' religion had many gods and demigods, the story is full of mythology. But one cannot but wonder where the connection lies with Judaism.

A Story for All Time

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