Prompted by this post https://johnknifton.com/2019/02/02/the-world-of-the-mysterious-2/ from John Knifton I decided that I must read my own copy of
It has waited for 45 years after all. I finished it last week.
John’s excellent research tells the story. I concentrated on the coloured illustrations. The are also smaller black and white woodcuts.
The very large 8vo format makes scanning the double spread of the flood impossible.
As the evening descended, I gradually fell to collapsing myself. I didn’t eat anything, and went up to bed soon after Elizabeth paid a visit.
Hope you feel better, Derrick.
I’ve never read Gilgamesh, though I know of it, and perhaps have read portions. There’s a Star Trek: Next Generation episode where Capt. Picard is on a planet with an alien man whose language is in metaphors. Picard tells him about Gilgamesh. 🙂 Beautiful illustrations in your copy!
Thanks very much, Merril
I have never read Gilgamesh either, but I remember that Star Trek episode well. The illustrations in Derrick’s copy are indeed beautiful.
It’s a good episode! 🙂
I am very familiar with the epic – and am a firm believer that myths tell of events from prehistory – it’s just that the language, interpretations and images are not fully understood by us modern folks these days. Sending you love xo
Very many thanks, Pauline XX
Your copies of the prints are fascinating Derrick, Hope you’re feeling better soon
Thanks very much, Ivor. You, too
Fascinating story, Derrick. Thanks for the link to the John Knifton website.
Thank you very much, Roland
I hope you’re feeling better, Derrick. Those illustrations are amazing.
Thank you very much, Jill
Wow fantastic illustrations! I read that in college but it was just the straight text. Hope you feel better soon – sending lots of prayers!
Many thanks, M.B. A bit better today
Feel better soon, Derrick. Rest as much as you can.
My body forcing me Lavinia. Thanks very much
Cool artwork Derrick!
Thanks very much, Gary
I hope that you recover swiftly.
Slowly will do 🙂 Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Another book I now want to read. So many books…
Great pictures too!
Many thanks, Quercus
🙂
The illustrations to the epic are mythic and fabulous. Rest and regain your strength. I am still praying and send more virtual hugs.
Very many thanks, Lisa
Must check this out. Hope you pick up soon.
Thanks a lot, Dad. I will
To think that it took you forty five years to read that is awe-inspiring! I too am waiting to finish War and Peace someday and am quite inspired by your procrastination.
🙂 Many thanks, Uma
Good morning Derrick!! A more perfect friendship could not be found than that between Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
I wish you feel better soon!!!
Thanks very much, Efi. I had a lifelong friendship with my Social Work teacher which began with a 20 minute verbal battle in the classroom
Chances are, your enemy-turned-friend is one of your favorite people on Earth now. It’s probably because of how genuine and authentic your friendship is.
Yep
Hope you feel better soon, Derrick. Those are wonderful illustrations and I’m glad that after 45 years, this literary fortress has finally fallen.
Thanks very much, John. A little better this morning
I love when you share books and their illustrations with us! These illustrations are beautiful and detailed! I shall click on the link to learn more.
After 45 years, I’m so glad you got this book read. 🙂
Sorry to hear you felt so ill. 🙁 I hope with a good sleep you will feel much better.
Prayers. And (((HUGS)))
Thanks very much, Carolyn. A bit better this morning X
Have never read The Epic but i find it interesting that it’s first editions would seem to both pre-date the earliest versions of our Bible and contain many closely related recountings of the first parts of the Old Testament, including the tale of Adam and Eve, the snake, the Garden of Eden, the Flood and Man’s loss of Eternal Life.
I like the quote: “Life, which you look for, you will never find. For when the gods created man, they let death be his share, and life withheld in their own hands” told to Gilgamesh.
Compare that with Genesis 3: 22 And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever”
24 “So he drove out the man; and he placed at the East of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Rest up a while and take things easy.. know of any good books you could catch up on?? 😉
Thanks a lot, Bob. I do have a few books 🙂
What fabulous illustrations! And, yes, rest and regain your strength. What a terrible time for you and your family, and you are often in my thoughts.
Very many thanks, Laure X
I read it years ago. Those woodcuts are gorgeous.
Thanks very much, Cheryl
Get better soon, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Clare
It’s difficult time for you. But you’ll gain strength and life will be more enjoyable again.
Thank you very much, Byung
The woodcuts are gorgeous! What rich colour. I’m sorry you’ve been feeling so poorly, but I am writing from the future, so I’ll let you know that youre starting to feel better by Sunday. 😉
How clairvoyant, Crystal 🙂 Many thanks
Just dont ask me to predict lottery numbers
🙂
I see your book was printed in a town right next to one we used to live in when we were first married. As a matter of fact we were looking at real estate online in Avon, CT today (small world). Beautiful illustrations throughout your book. Hope you are feeling better ~
Thanks very much, Mary. I am getting better
Thank you for sharing these spectacular woodcuts, Derrick.
Thank you, too, Dolly, for appreciating them as I knew you would
You know me so well by now, Derrick. The pleasure was mine!
🙂
Illustrations are fantastic. Obviously you survived that bout of ill health to do several other book reviews.
Thanks very much, Pat. I was amused to see that I had a similar bout five years ago 🙂