Lost for centuries to the sands of the Middle East but found again in the 1850s, it tells the story of a great king, his heroism, and his eventual defeat. It is also the newest classic in the canon of world literature.

His books include Lives of the Poets, The Novel: A Biography, and The First Poets.Reflections on a lost poem and its rediscovery by contemporary poets Gilgamesh is the most ancient long poem known to exist. Schmidt has written a stimulating literary study that makes this oldest of poems feel new, exciting, and on the move.' -Peter McDonald, translator of The Homeric HymnsĪbout the Author Michael Schmidt is a literary historian, poet, novelist, translator, and anthologist as well as an editor and publisher. I cannot imagine a better introduction to Gilgamesh, but it is also something more than that. 'This is a remarkable and hugely worthwhile book. George, author of The Babylonian Gilgamesh Epic 'Michael Schmidt's book is a lively and instructive read, full of insight and response that bring a new voice to the poem's reception.' -A. 'An insightful, stimulating book sure to breathe new life into the would-be immortal king.'-Publishers Weekly All in a way that is seemingly effortless and without strain, a rare thing in critical discourse.' -Philip Terry, author of Dictator In this illuminating book, Schmidt sheds a kaleidoscopic light on Gilgamesh, its journeys, and its possible futures.

A real treasure.' -Ruth Padel, author of Darwin: A Life in Poems Michael Schmidt's unparalleled love for poetry, ancient and modern, brings to life the continuing vitality and importance of the world's earliest surviving poem, with fascinating new insights on every page. 'For anyone interested in language, history, or the power of a great story, this biography of a poem assures endless discoveries.' -Jeva Lange, The Week He reflects on the work of leading poets such as Charles Olson, Louis Zukofsky, and Yusef Komunyakaa, whose own encounters with the poem are revelatory, and he reads its many translations and editions to bring it vividly to life for today's readers. Acclaimed literary historian Michael Schmidt provides a unique meditation on the rediscovery of Gilgamesh, showing how part of its special fascination is its captivating otherness. Lost for centuries to the sands of the Middle East but found again in the 1850s, it is a story of monsters, gods, and cataclysms, and of intimate friendship and love. Reflections on a lost poem and its rediscovery by contemporary poets Gilgamesh is the most ancient long poem known to exist.

Michael schmidt gilgamesh