"The Treasures of Darkness is a fascinating book. The general
reader cannot fail to admire the translated passages of Sumerian
poetry with which it abounds, especially those illustrating the
Dumuzi-Inanna cycle of courtship, wedding and lament for the god's
untimely death. Many of these (though not all) are new even to the
specialist and will repay close study. There are many details
showing remarkable insight which cannot be mentioned in a short
review."—B.O.R. Gurney, Times Literary Supplement
"Here is the latest scholarly contribution by one of the foremost
interpreters of cuneiform texts. The book begins with definitions
of scope and terminology. This is followed by lengthy expositions
on the various periods in Mesopotamian religion, with copious
illustrative translations added. Names and functions of the gods
are defined and related to man and society. For the historian,
cuneiform expert, the student of religion this work will be of
prime importance."—Library Journal
"Thorkild Jacobsen is the most brilliant of the small band of
interpreters of Mesopotamian religion, and his new book
naturally brings a major advance in its understanding. . . .
Work on Mesopotamian religion will be immeasurably advanced by the
appearance of this fascinating book."—G.S. Kirk, Biblioteca
Orientals
"The Treasures of Darkness is the culmination of a lifetime's work,
an attempt to summarize and recreate the spiritual life of Ancient
Mesopotamia. Jacobsen has succeeded brilliantly. . . . Everyone
interested in early Mesopotamia, whether specialist, student, or
complete layman, should read this book, one of the culminating
works of Jacobsen's long career. It is, quite simply,
authoritative, based on a vast experience of the ancient
Mesopotamian mind, and very well written in the bargain."—Brian M.
Fagan, History
"Jacobsen's imaginative survey of Mesopotamian religion will arouse
discussion and interest. His book also contains valuable appraisals
of many important literary texts, often accompanied by fine
translations. Assyriologists will be grateful to have available
this stimulating treatment of Mesopotamian religion by a
distinguished Sumerologist."—Bulletin of SOAS
"Jacobsen has gathered up a lifetime of research into the
languages, literatures, history and archaeology of the Ancient Near
East and used them to formulate a mature and comprehensive
synthesis of what he conceives to have been the essence of the
ancient Mesopotamian world view. The result is a thesaurus of new
insights and of sensitive and authoritative translations of crucial
passages from a vast number of Sumerian and Akkadian
texts."—William W. Hallo
"A model of scholarly and humanistic interpretation—one which
treats the ancient texts with the seriousness and penetration they
deserve. This is a masterwork of one of the great humanists and
scholars of our age."—Yochanan Muffs
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