Gilgamesh

A New English Version

By: Stephen Mitchell - translator

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 4 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

This brilliant new treatment of the world's oldest epic is a literary event on par with Seamus Heaney's wildly popular Beowulf translation. Esteemed translator and best-selling author Stephen Mitchell energizes a heroic tale so old it predates Homer's Iliad by more than a millennium.

In the ancient city of Uruk, the tyrannical King Gilgamesh tramples citizens "like a wild bull". The gods send an untamed man named Enkidu to control the ruthless king, but after fighting, Enkidu and Gilgamesh become great friends and embark on a series of adventures. They kill fearsome creatures before Enkidu succumbs to disease, leaving Gilgamesh despondent and alone. Eventually, Gilgamesh moves forward, and his quest becomes a soul-searching journey of self-discovery.

Mitchell's treatment of this extraordinary work is the finest yet, surpassing previous versions in its preservation of the wisdom and beauty of the original.

©2004 Stephen Mitchell (P)2004 Recorded Books LLC

Critic reviews

"Stephen Mitchell's Gilgamesh is a wonderful version....This is certainly the best that I have seen in English." (Harold Bloom)
"Here is a flowing, unbroken version that reads as effortlessly as a novel....Vibrant, earnest, unfussibly accesible....The muscular eloquence and rousing simplicity of Mitchell's four-beat line effectively unleashes the grand vehemence of the epic's battle scenes." (The New York Times Book Review)
"Mitchell seeks language that is as swift and strong as the story itself. He conveys the evenhanded generosity of the original poet....This wonderful new version of the story of Gilgamesh shows how the story came to achieve literary immortality: not because it is a rare ancient artifact, but because reading it can make people in the here and now feel more completely alive." (Publishers Weekly)

Great!

I heard many references to Gilgamesh (particularly the flood narrative) in other texts and realized I had never read the original. What a fascinating story! Not at all what I had expected.

Fun and Enlightening

An unknown poet writes the world's oldest known epic poem. (2 hours for story; 2 hours for interpretation and explanation by the editor.) Superbly narrated by George Guidall in what is undoubtedly the way most received the story in its time. Uniquely and appropriately audio. The narrative pace translates beautifully to an easy to listen to story(publisher's notes say that earlier translations are stiff and academic). Fun and Enlightening -- not to worry if poetry puts you off -- this story flows beautifully. The interpretations and explanations of editor are worthwhile. I question his easy-to-ignore comparisons to very current events that can only be judged appropriately in the lens of history and his speculations on a homoerotic relationship between the two main characters. Very worthwhile.

Great

To take something as old as the Gilgamesh story and give it such a smooth modern translation is impressive. I wish I had given this a listen sooner.

An unforgettable experience!

Absolutely remarkable narration. Mr. Guidall’s performance is one I would soon not forget. Spectacular job!

The First Hero Story Ever Written

Written in a way that transcends time, Stephen Michell's adaptation of "Gilgamesh," is one of the best I've experienced. George Guidall's rich narration was exceptional as it drew me into the story, complimented the dialogue, and elevated the already outstanding writing. Stephen's post-story discussion and exposition was as a rare treat, and I would strongly encourage anyone looking to explore this epic to purchase this version. You won't be disappointed. Well done!

A Masterful Storyteller worthy of the story

I always look for books read by George Guidall —-he really feels himself into the story! And what a great version of this epic, thanks to Stephen Mitchell.

What a great read

I read it only because of its place in history. I loved the book ,I wish I had read it sooner ,and am recommending it too friends

Wonderful work and narration!

I'll read it twice along with the notes. What a great view of human search for meaning, where we end up where we started out, only to find that the greatest journey is the one that takes place right where you are, coming home to the real you.

A Wonderful, Well Read Story

This amazing, ancient story was so well read it brought tears to my eyes. I know I couldn't have enjoyed this epic story nearly as much had I read it myself. These ancient stories are meant to be heard not read. The resonance and timber of the readers voice brought this poem alive and was as thrilling today as It most likely was to the first listeners. If you liked Audible's reading of Beowulf then the reading of Gilgamesh will not disappoint.

Compelling Narration/Translation

Guidall and Mitchell seems to make a nice team. This version of Gilgamesh was much better than I expected. It felt contemporary and yet timeless at the same time. The quickly changing chapters and Guidall's effective narration kept me hooked.

The reading is not over four hours. The entire reading of Gilgamesh is about half of that. The other half is a lengthy introduction providing considerable context about the piece that sensibly is placed afterward. I did not listen to the entire introduction after the fact as I was reading about Gilgamesh online while listening.

Great way to get acquainted with one of the oldest known pieces of literature and mythology. It does not disappoint.