Chavalas, who is on the board of trustees of the American Schools of Oriental Research, has gathered together an impressive group of scholars to provide introductions, comments, and translations of a judicious sampling of texts from the ancient world---Sumerian, Babylonian, Hittite, Assyrian, and others. 544 pages, softcover. Blackwell.

Product Information

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Title: The Ancient Near East: Historical Sources in Translation
By: Edited by Mark W. Chavalas
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 246
Vendor: Wiley-Blackwell

Dimensions: 9.75 X 6.75 (inches)
Weight: 1 pound 13 ounces
ISBN: 0631235817
ISBN-13: 9780631235811
Stock No: WW235817

Publisher's Description

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This book presents new translations of Mesopotamian and ancient Near Eastern historiographic texts, providing the reader with the primary sources for the history of the ancient Near East.

A primary source book presenting new translations of Mesopotamian and ancient Near Eastern historiographic texts, and other related materials.
Helps readers to understand the historical context of the Near East.
Covers the period from the earliest historical and literary texts (c.2700 B.C.) to the latest Hellenistic historians who comment on ancient Near Eastern history (c.250 B.C.)
Texts range from the code of Hammurabi to the Assyrian royal inscriptions.
A detailed commentary is provided on each text, placing it in its historical and cultural context.
Maps, illustrations and a chronological table help to orientate the reader.

Author Bio

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Mark W. Chavalas is Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He has edited or authored six books, including most recently Life and Culture in the Ancient Near East (2002), Mesopotamia and the Bible (2002) and Bible Background Commentary of the Old Testament (2000). He is currently on the Board of Trustees of the American Schools of Oriental Research.

Editorial Reviews

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"All of these scholars are to be applauded for the excellence of their work." (Journal of American Oriental Society , January 2008)

A Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2007

"Blackwell has rendered an excellent service to the study of the Ancient Near East by undergraduates ? and, indeed, to those of the general public with anything more than superficial interest in the subject ... Chavalas provides a solid textual basis for a better understanding of this area." (Scholia)

"Mark W. Chavalas has gathered an excellent ensemble of scholars and doctoral candidates to edit and translate representative historical texts from the major cultures of the ancient Near East into English ... Students and non-specialists who are embarking on the study of the ancient Near East would do well to consult The Ancient Near East for a quick reference to Near Eastern historical documents." (Bryn Mawr Classical Review)

"An invaluable reference for most academic and large public libraries." (Choice)

"An extremely full selection of texts of historical import and an invaluable resource for college and university teaching. The extensive commentaries make it accessible for anyone interested in investigating the manner in which the peoples of the ancient Near East represented their past."
—Gary Beckman, University of Michigan

"Chavalas has assembled a sterling cast of translators. The historical introductions bristle with insights and the book gives us 'history from above' in the best sense."
—Daniel C. Snell, The University of Oklahoma

"Mark Chavalas has gathered an impressive international group of scholars, who offer a judicious sampling of texts from Mesopotamia and related ancient Near Eastern cultures. The texts are carefully translated and liberally provided with illuminating introductions and commentary. In all, a volume that should become a prized resource for students and scholars alike."
—Peter Machinist, Harvard University

"A welcome and affordable anthology in English and the editor and the contributors deserve our thanks for their efforts. It is extremely readable, the translations are admirably put into context and by and large excellent."
—J.G. Dercksen, Boekbesprekingen - Algemeen

"This much-needed, well-done primary sourcebook ? is a must for anyone teaching the history of the ancient Near East." (Religious Studies Review)