Book cover of The Epic of Gilgamesh

Book description

The definitive translation of the world's oldest known epic, now updated with newly discovered material

Miraculously preserved on clay tablets dating back as far as four thousand years, the poem of Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, predates Homer by many centuries. The story tells of Gilgamesh's adventures with the wild man…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Epic of Gilgamesh as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the great masterpieces of world literature, and the oldest, with its origins lost in the mists of time.

It contains a dramatic account of the Great Flood, upon which the much later Noah’s Ark tale was based. The Epic was current for some 3,000 years and entered the literature of many ancient cultures including those of Sumer, where it originated, Assyrian, Babylonian, and Hittite.

The Epic has been reconstructed from many thousands of clay tablets unearthed from Middle Eastern archaeological sites. The cultures through which it passed moulded their own flesh upon its…

From Jeffrey's list on the time of Gilgamesh.

This is the oldest written story in the world. Gilgamesh was prince of the sheepfold Uruk, all its date groves and cool gardens, all the herds of antelope beyond the fields of spelt. In those days, scorpion men guarded the sun, and Gilgamesh wandered the wilds with his friend Enkidu in search of wisdom. The story’s lesson was simple and eternal. In many a city, in civilised settlements, the teeming markets drown the peace. Gilgamesh at first cut down the ancient cedars guarded by Humbaba, and killed the last fiery bull with wings. In the presence of nature, he found…

If you love The Epic of Gilgamesh...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like The Epic of Gilgamesh?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 16 books like The Epic of Gilgamesh.

Browse books like The Epic of Gilgamesh

Book cover of Wisdom Sits in Places: Landscape and Language Among the Western Apache
Book cover of As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams: Recollections of a Woman in Eleventh-Century Japan
Book cover of A Story as Sharp as a Knife: The Classical Haida Mythtellers and Their World

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,277

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Epic of Gilgamesh, you might also like...

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!