Cuneiform

by C.B.F. Walker

The cuneiform writing system flourished in the Near East from before 3000 BC to AD 75. This book surveys the development of the script from the earliest pictographic signs to the latest astronomical tablets and the process by which it came to be used for writing many different Near Eastern languages. Sample texts show how the script is analysed into words and syllables and how to read the names of the most famous kings as they appear on monuments. In addition, extracts from contemporary Sumerian literature and school texts give an account of the training of the scribes, and the various types of inscription they wrote are illustrated. The decipherment of cuneiform is explained and—for the collector—some guidelines for the identification of fake inscriptions are given.

Genres: History, Linguistics, Language, Nonfiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Gea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simple, concise overview of cuneiform, perfect for beginners. Its 64 pages are full of illustrations and samples of cuneiform from different ancient near eastern languages with a list of the most complete collections in the back. Here's the chapter breakdown:

1. Origin and Development
2. Tablets and Monuments
3. Scribes and Libraries
4. The Geographical Spread
5. Decipherment
6. Sample Texts
7. Fakes

I found it all fascinating, particularly the chapters on scribes and libraries, decipherment and fakes. As I said, this is only 64 pages. It gives a brief overview of these subjects, but Walker writes in clear, simple language. I recommend it to anyone interested in Mesopotamian studies or the origin of writing.

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, concise, delightful.

[Pete Missingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's depressing and encouraging at the same time to read a thirty year old book on cuneiform, and realise that the state of knowledge has barely changed.

[John Isles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuneiform is not a script, but a writing technology. The present guidebook from the British Museum tells of its origin in the Middle East, and its evolution from pictographs to syllabaries and alphabets. Cuneiform was used for records and inscriptions in at least fifteen languages; inevitably we don't learn much about each language in this booklet, but several sample texts are reproduced with transcriptions and translations. The guide also forms a section of the volume "Reading the Past" which incorporates five other British Museum booklets on early writing in the Western World. An interesting introduction to what could easily become a lifetime study.

[Ayman Fadel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to a difficult topic. Major props to the researchers and archaeologists who have been able to bring those ancient times back to us.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short but very informative book about cuneiform writing. It went into a lot of detail in just a few pages. I enjoyed it.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 64 pages, but packed with interesting and useful information about cuneiform.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very thin book about Cuneiform. While the information is pretty interesting, the main thing I enjoyed was imagining the lives of the people writing cuneiform back in the day.

The first written languages were mostly about recording sales of food/animals/etc. I wish there was more about the decipherment in the book. It's so strange to imagine the past and how life was back then.

[Cbarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise overview of the development of written language. Fascinating history.

[Michael P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the three introductions to Cuneiform I have read, this is the best organized, most readable, and presents the information most memorably. I suspect it can use a bit of updating around the edges, but this is an excellent place to understand what Cuneiform is all about.

[Mohammad · Rating 3 out of 5]

این کتاب شاید یکی از کتاب‌های خوبی بود که من در مورد خط و به خصوص خط میخی خواندم و میتوان گفت که این کتاب در مورد تاریخ خط میخی از پیدایش و استفاده ان در دوره های مخطلف سخن به میان اورده و هر دوره را به یکی از زمان‌های زندگی بشر اختصاص داده است

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

currently reading for a beginning cuneiform course through the museum education program of the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute.

[Mohammad ghorbani · Rating 2 out of 5]

کتاب خوبی بود و تاریخ خط میخی را به صورت چندین دوره مورد برسی قرار داده بود که ارزش خواندن را داشت. همینطور ترجمه خوبی هم داشت

[Kevin K. Gillette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of six volumes collectively entitled "Reading The Past." It was my first introduction to cuneiform, long before the Internet and Wikipedia.

[Anshin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Per chi volesse avere un panorama sul cuneiforme sotto tutti gli aspetti, questo è il testo giusto! :)

[Ur Salem]

free on:
https://archive.org/details/Walker.C....