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Ishtar is the first book dedicated to providing an accessible analysis of the mythology and image of this complex goddess. The polarity of her nature is reflected in her role as goddess of sexual love and war, and has made her difficult to characterise in modern scholarship. By exploring this complexity, Ishtar offers insight into Mesopotamian culture and thought, and elucidates a goddess who transcended the limits of gender, divinity and nature. It gives an accessible introduction to the Near Eastern pantheon, while also opening a pathway for comparison with the later Near Eastern and Mediterranean deities who followed her.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 28, 2023
Pryke's 2017 book "Ishtar" is of course about the goddess Inanna, and is one of the more recent. This book captures many additional works about the goddess than previous works, but because they are now so numerous there is little room for the complete original stories that have been deciphered from ancient sources and snippets are all that are to be offered. That said though her survey is rather extensive and makes for a good platform from which to jump off from. Ms Pryke is clearly excited about her subject and it shows in her writings as she gives good account of the many things about the ancient goddess as well as the woman who popularized her, known to be the first named author in antiquity, Enheduanna.
Enheduanna was an En Priestess of the temple Nanna (the Sumerian moon god). She was also the daughter of Sargon the Great, the Akkadian king who first began consolidating city states to establish the world's first empire all the way back circa 2200 BC. While lead priestess to the Moon god, Nanna, Endheduanna's heart lay with the troublesome goddess Inanna, whose worship began before Enheduanna's time and lasted well over 2000 years in the form of the Akkadian, Assyrian, Babylonian Ishtar, and who was worshiped as Astarte, and continued to extend with the Greek Aphrodite as well as others.
Her writings were in early Cuneiform, the little wedged shapes pressed into clay, that became the first known written language, but have only begun to be deciphered in the late 1800's and continue to be deciphered to this day into some highly readable and exciting prose.
Pryke's history is a clear demonstration of the goddess of love, sex, prostitution and war who reigned as the most popular and controversial of all gods for over 2000yrs. It's well worth the read.
The complete poems and stories attributed to Enheduanna about Inanna can best comfortably be accessed by reading the 1983 book "Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth" by Diane Wolkstein and Samuel Noah Kramer together with the 2000 "Inanna Lady of the Largest Heart, Poems of the Sumerian High Priestess Enheduanna" by Betty De Shang Meador. In those two books you will be allotted the bulk of poems dealing with Inanna/Ishtar and the poems do not overlap, so you will want both before proceeding onto Ms Pryke's insightful book. All three of these books are written in an easy flowing style that can be easily read in a month or two. Additionally Ms Meador also added to the list with another must read with her 2009 "Princess, Priestess, Poet, Sumerian Temple Hymns of Enheduanna" which of all four would be the more difficult, but equally enjoyable book to read.
Enheduanna was an En Priestess of the temple Nanna (the Sumerian moon god). She was also the daughter of Sargon the Great, the Akkadian king who first began consolidating city states to establish the world's first empire all the way back circa 2200 BC. While lead priestess to the Moon god, Nanna, Endheduanna's heart lay with the troublesome goddess Inanna, whose worship began before Enheduanna's time and lasted well over 2000 years in the form of the Akkadian, Assyrian, Babylonian Ishtar, and who was worshiped as Astarte, and continued to extend with the Greek Aphrodite as well as others.
Her writings were in early Cuneiform, the little wedged shapes pressed into clay, that became the first known written language, but have only begun to be deciphered in the late 1800's and continue to be deciphered to this day into some highly readable and exciting prose.
Pryke's history is a clear demonstration of the goddess of love, sex, prostitution and war who reigned as the most popular and controversial of all gods for over 2000yrs. It's well worth the read.
The complete poems and stories attributed to Enheduanna about Inanna can best comfortably be accessed by reading the 1983 book "Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth" by Diane Wolkstein and Samuel Noah Kramer together with the 2000 "Inanna Lady of the Largest Heart, Poems of the Sumerian High Priestess Enheduanna" by Betty De Shang Meador. In those two books you will be allotted the bulk of poems dealing with Inanna/Ishtar and the poems do not overlap, so you will want both before proceeding onto Ms Pryke's insightful book. All three of these books are written in an easy flowing style that can be easily read in a month or two. Additionally Ms Meador also added to the list with another must read with her 2009 "Princess, Priestess, Poet, Sumerian Temple Hymns of Enheduanna" which of all four would be the more difficult, but equally enjoyable book to read.
March 7, 2024
Ishtar delves into the captivating world of the Mesopotamian goddess, offering a comprehensive and accessible analysis. Pryke's work takes a deeper dive, exploring the multifaceted nature of Ishtar and her profound impact on Mesopotamian culture and thought.
The book's strength lies in its ability to untangle the complexities of Ishtar's character. Often portrayed as a contradictory figure, embodying both love and war, Ishtar has challenged scholars for centuries. Pryke masterfully navigates these seeming contradictions, demonstrating how they reflect the nuanced worldview of the Mesopotamians.
It delves into her association with fertility, warfare, and political power, providing valuable insights into Mesopotamian society. Pryke also examines Ishtar's connection to other deities, drawing insightful comparisons with later Near Eastern and Mediterranean figures.
The book is enriched by the inclusion of translated excerpts from ancient sources. These primary sources allow readers to directly engage with the myths and hymns surrounding Ishtar, offering a deeper understanding of her enduring legacy.
While primarily aimed at an academic audience, "Ishtar" remains accessible to readers with a general interest in ancient mythology and religion. Pryke's clear and engaging writing style makes the complex subject matter approachable, even for those unfamiliar with Mesopotamian history.
The book Ishtar is a commendable contribution to the study of ancient deities. By offering a nuanced and insightful analysis, Pryke sheds light on the significance of this fascinating goddess and provides valuable insights into the cultural and religious landscape of ancient Mesopotamia.
The book's strength lies in its ability to untangle the complexities of Ishtar's character. Often portrayed as a contradictory figure, embodying both love and war, Ishtar has challenged scholars for centuries. Pryke masterfully navigates these seeming contradictions, demonstrating how they reflect the nuanced worldview of the Mesopotamians.
It delves into her association with fertility, warfare, and political power, providing valuable insights into Mesopotamian society. Pryke also examines Ishtar's connection to other deities, drawing insightful comparisons with later Near Eastern and Mediterranean figures.
The book is enriched by the inclusion of translated excerpts from ancient sources. These primary sources allow readers to directly engage with the myths and hymns surrounding Ishtar, offering a deeper understanding of her enduring legacy.
While primarily aimed at an academic audience, "Ishtar" remains accessible to readers with a general interest in ancient mythology and religion. Pryke's clear and engaging writing style makes the complex subject matter approachable, even for those unfamiliar with Mesopotamian history.
The book Ishtar is a commendable contribution to the study of ancient deities. By offering a nuanced and insightful analysis, Pryke sheds light on the significance of this fascinating goddess and provides valuable insights into the cultural and religious landscape of ancient Mesopotamia.
April 3, 2024
Ishtar, by Louise M. Pryke, delves into the captivating world of the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar. Unlike other books that might be fictional portrayals, Pryke's work offers a scholarly yet accessible analysis of Ishtar's mythology and image.
One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of Ishtar's complexity. Ishtar is both a goddess of love and war, a duality that has puzzled scholars for centuries. Pryke tackles this head-on, demonstrating how this very paradox reflects the nuanced worldview of the Mesopotamians.
Ishtar is not just a study of the goddess herself; it provides a window into Mesopotamian culture and thought. By examining the myths and rituals surrounding Ishtar, Pryke sheds light on the values and beliefs of this ancient civilization.
The book is also valuable for those interested in the connections between deities. Pryke explores how Ishtar influenced and was influenced by later goddesses in the Near East and Mediterranean regions. This comparative approach adds depth to our understanding of Ishtar's enduring legacy.
Ishtar is particularly praised for its clear and engaging writing style. Pryke manages to break down complex concepts without sacrificing academic rigor. The inclusion of translated source materials further enlivens the book, allowing readers to connect directly with the myths and hymns surrounding Ishtar.
If you're interested in: Unveiling the multifaceted nature of Ishtar, gaining insights into Mesopotamian culture and exploring the connections between ancient deities; then Ishtar by Louise M. Pryke is a valuable resource. With its accessible approach and insightful analysis, this book offers a compelling journey into the world of this powerful goddess.
One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of Ishtar's complexity. Ishtar is both a goddess of love and war, a duality that has puzzled scholars for centuries. Pryke tackles this head-on, demonstrating how this very paradox reflects the nuanced worldview of the Mesopotamians.
Ishtar is not just a study of the goddess herself; it provides a window into Mesopotamian culture and thought. By examining the myths and rituals surrounding Ishtar, Pryke sheds light on the values and beliefs of this ancient civilization.
The book is also valuable for those interested in the connections between deities. Pryke explores how Ishtar influenced and was influenced by later goddesses in the Near East and Mediterranean regions. This comparative approach adds depth to our understanding of Ishtar's enduring legacy.
Ishtar is particularly praised for its clear and engaging writing style. Pryke manages to break down complex concepts without sacrificing academic rigor. The inclusion of translated source materials further enlivens the book, allowing readers to connect directly with the myths and hymns surrounding Ishtar.
If you're interested in: Unveiling the multifaceted nature of Ishtar, gaining insights into Mesopotamian culture and exploring the connections between ancient deities; then Ishtar by Louise M. Pryke is a valuable resource. With its accessible approach and insightful analysis, this book offers a compelling journey into the world of this powerful goddess.
November 6, 2023
A very granular analysis of how Ishtar as a goddess is represented in both recently discovered archaic artefacts and Mesopotamic literature. So this is definitely for the more savvy reader.
I was looking more into an exploration of myth and tradition than such an historical deep dive.
I was looking more into an exploration of myth and tradition than such an historical deep dive.
August 19, 2024
A fascinating and helpful book about the goddess Ishtar and her many forms. Easy to read, insightful, and informative. Highly recommend.
June 21, 2025
Wonderful book!!!.. Such an interesting time when sexes were more equal and Goddesses were worshiped. Have wondered but did not find where Pryke thought "The Bible" which had condemned the worship of "The Queen of Heaven" Ishtar added to her obscurity. Anyways there is a wealth of information Louise Pryke brings to Ishtar and will need to reread it.. So do commend Pryke's ability with reading cuneiform, understanding of Mesopotamia people and their artifacts, ability to sift through many scholars' reviews (some being possibly bias), and then bringing an understanding of Ishtar's complex, andromorphic, and dual nature to light. Do feel the author's sense of "awe" of Ishtar and I am in "awe" as well.. Thank you much for "Ishtar"
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews