Babylonian Wisdom Literature

by Wilfred G. Lambert

Overview

This classic work has served students of Akkadian literature as a useful sourcebook and as a model publication for the study of a specific corpus of cuneiform literature. These timeless proverbs, instructive precepts, and ancient fables demonstrate a rich heritage in the Mesopotamian development of this genre. Lambert’s focused collection also provides scholars with a unique comparative reference for those studying biblical wisdom literature. An Eisenbrauns classic reprint.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780931464942
Publisher:	Penn State University Press
Publication date:	06/30/1996
Edition description:	REPRINT
Pages:	454
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 1.51(d)

Table of Contents

GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY

ABBREVIATIONS AND REFERENCES

CITATIONS FROM AKKADIAN TEXTS

TIME CHART

1. INTRODUCTION ESSAY: The Development of Thought and Literature in Ancient Mesopotamia

2. THE POEM OF THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFERER—Ludlul bel nemeqi

Introduction

Literature

Text and Translation

3. THE BABYLONIAN THEODICY

Introduction

Literature

Text and Translation

A Fragment of a Similar Work

4. PRECEPTS AND ADMONITIONS

(i) Instructions of Suruppak

(ii) Counsels of Wisdom

(iii) Counsels of a Pessimist

(iv) Advice to a Prince

(v) Varia

all with Introduction

Literature

Text and Translation

5. PRECEPTIVE HYMNS

(i) A Bilingual Hymn to Ninurta

(ii) The Samas Hymn

each with Introduction

Literature

Text and Translation

6. THE DIALOGUE OF PESSIMISM

Introduction

Literature

Text and Translation

7. FABLES OR CONTEST LITERATURE

(i) The Tamarisk and the Palm

(ii) The Fable of the Willow

(iii) Nisaba and Wheat

(iv) The Ox and the Horse

(v) The Fable of the Fox

(vi) The Fable of the Riding-donkey

(vii) Varia

all with Introduction

Literature

Text and Translation

8. POPULAR SAYINGS

Introduction

Literature

Text and Translation

9. PROVERBS

(i) Bilingual Proverbs

(ii) Babylonian Proverbs

Texts and Translations interspersed with Introductions, Literature, and Comments

CRITICAL AND PHILOLOGICAL NOTES ON CHAPTERS 2-8

ADDENDA

INDEX OF PUBLISHED TEXTS

INDEX OF WORDS DISCUSSED

LIST OF CUNEIFORM TABLETS

CUNEIFORM TEXTS