So Many Books; So little Time

Epics of Early Civilization

Epics of Early Civilization: Middle Eastern Myths

c. 1998 by Duncan Baird Publishers

This book is not for everyone. In fact, like many books and other types of writings, in the wrong hands, this could be detrimental.

This book is a well-written account of the myths surrounding the gods of the ancient middle eastern peoples by tribe. It does not discuss the various sacrifices and times of sacrifice or the reason for the sacrifice but deals only with the myths and stories surrounding the characters these various tribes considered their gods. It is much like reading a book on classic Greek or Roman gods and goddesses in that it details them as people who lived, died, loved, and lived again, sometimes many times.

The book is very readable and well illustrated with photographs and drawings from archeological digs in the area. It does not promote the gods or goddesses and does not disdain or even mention the one true living God but merely tells the stories as gleaned from ancient writings and compiled into one. Sidebars add much to the stories.

I would recommend this book to a serious theologian or a strong Christian who wants to understand what the people living in the time of David believed but I wouldn’t give it to someone I thought would actually start believing the various myths and stories were actually true. This is one of those books that can add to the history of the people but can also give just enough information to make someone curious and pull them away from the truth.