Gilgamesh the King

By: Robert Silverberg

Narrated by: William Coon

We're used to hearing about the latest tell-all memoir from one of today's sports figures, political insiders, or celebrity wannabes. But what if we discovered that one of history's greatest heroes had written his life story? That's the premise behind Robert Silverberg's amazing novel Gilgamesh the King.

The journey begins when six-year-old Gilgamesh's father dies. As he grows to manhood and eventually ascends to the throne, he faces many challenges along the way: political intrigue, war, the burden of leadership. But none are as difficult as his intense internal struggles against loneliness and his own mortality. Weaving together historical data, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and his own fertile imagination, Silverberg creates a rich and compassionate portrait of a man who lived about 2500 B.C.

©1984 Robert Silverberg (P)2010 Eloquent Voice, LLC

Critic reviews

"Fantasy, myth and ancient history interweave seamlessly in this powerful retelling of the epic of Gilgamesh…. Silverberg extends his mastery of the fantasy genre to the re-creation of the magic and mystery of ancient Sumer, uncovering the deep human truths that lie beneath the legend. ( Library Journal)

sensational!!!!

a beautifully put together book all of different sources to complete one amazing autobiography type feel to this ancient story. Gilgamesh is and always will be one of the best Tales to come from Sumer and related areas. I have been blown away by this book!

A nice journey

Having read other materials concerning the main character,time period, and history, I find the book logical and enjoyable.

Gilgamesh

great story made modern and understandable. good read, may want to listen again and again.

Who's idea was this narrator?

I'm a fan of Robert Silverberg. Ok, this is not his best offering, but not bad, particularly if you like the original epic. But the choice of narrator? This is Gilgamesh of Uruk, part god, mightiest of men. The narrator sounds like a nervous student teacher. Normally it wouldn't bother me, but it is so incongruous with the narrative that its distracting.

Epic

The metaphorical transition of man from wild to urban projected onto Gilgamesh and Enkido, embraced in brotherly love for the nakedness, untamed wild man from the bush, but that lives in each man's chest. A hero's journey from young prodige to wondering the world looking for immortality. Realizing this life is the one to live.
Set in the first walled cities in Mesopotamia, portrays the sociocultural word of Inana at turning point in history, grieving the loss of the wild, and the threat from other cities. A story that evert young man must read.