Gilgamesh: The New Translation

By: Gerald J. Davis

Narrated by: John Hanks

Length: 3 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

Critic Reviews

"Gilgamesh is monumental!" (Rainer Maria Rilke)

Poetic translation of an epic story

Disclosure: I received this audiobook from the translator in return for an honest review

After reading Gerald Davis's translations of Don Quixote and Beowulf (on audiobook), I was excited to read his new translation: Gilgamesh. Like these other two books, Gilgamesh is an epic story beautifully translated. It's the story of Gilgamesh, King of Uruk (now Iraq), his battle and then friendship with Enkidu, and later his solo quest. Although I generally haven't read the classics since high school and college, translations by Gerald Davis make content lyrical and accessible.

I originally read the Kindle version of this book, and enjoyed it. The audiobook version is even better, with John Hanks' vivid narration. Recommended.

8 people found this helpful

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

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.

1 person found this helpful

I liked it, a lot

This t translation is my first exposure to this type of literature. It was a wonderful listening experience. The narrative was entertaining, engrossing and worth a relisten.

1 person found this helpful

This is awesome

This is such an incredibly entertaining and deep story. The performance is perfect.

Let yourself experience the joy of humanity’s oldest story.

Repetitive

The narrator did a fine job, however this rendition was so repetitive that it was hard to maintain focus.

Magnificent!

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.

2 people found this helpful

very redundant

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

Good to have butt ... Hmm!

Review of Gilgamesh:
I'm giving this 4 stars because it pseems to be a straight representation of the Gilgamesh writings without spin; & that's a fabulous thing to be offered. I won't give it 5 because I'm no scholar of ancient texts so I cannot be sure how faithful it is. If you want something interesting read this. If you want entertaining don't. It's soooo repetitive! & it's childishly ridiculous. But of course it wasn't written for my entertainment.

1 person found this helpful

Entertaining

Listened to it on and off.
The verse repetition stuff seemed funny like it was meant for children except for some of the themes.