Cuneiform script on clay tablets is; as far as we know; the oldest form of writing in the world. The resilience of clay has permitted these records to survive for thousands of years; providing a fascinating glimpse into the political; economic; and religious institutions of the ancient Near Eastern societies that used this writing system. A concise and accessible introduction to the topic; this book traces the history of cuneiform from its beginnings in the fourth millennium BC to its eventual demise in the face of the ever expanding use of alphabetic Aramaic in the first millennium BC. The authors explain how this pre-alphabetic system worked and how it was possible to use it to record so many different languages. Drawing on examples from the British Museum; which has the largest and most venerable cuneiform collection in the world; this lively volume includes elementary school exercises; revealing private letters; and beautiful calligraphic literature for royal libraries.
#1462310 in Books 2012-01-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .41 x 5.51l; .48 #File Name: 1602583277175 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Entertaining InformativeBy Ashlie M. NewberryLDS in the USA covers an expansive history of the Mormon religion and its influence on American Culture today (as well as America's influence on Mormonism). Lee Trepanier; who is not Mormon; and Lynita Newswander; who is Mormon did a great job balancing out each impact. The reader is able to see an unbiased view into the American-made religion-- something that any American can be proud of.The subjects covered are both entertaining and informational ranging from "Twilight" and "Napoleon Dynamite" to more serious topics such as polygamy and Mitt Romney. Also; this being an election year and one of the main presidential candidates being Mormon; LDS in the USA gave some insight of what America would be like with a Mormon president. Would a Mormon leader be beneficial or detrimental for our country? Or; if elected would Mitt Romney being a Mormon make any difference at all?Overall; this book was a captivating read that I would recommend for the those interested in religion; Mormons; American culture and politics.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Refreshing PerspectiveBy KivaLDS in the USA is a candid and refreshing look at an American religion. This timely book frankly answers questions about Mormon beliefs and shows its growth from its inception in the 1800s; amidst suffering and persecution; to a modern day Christian religion that is still struggling to become main stream. The writing is clear and precise and is well worth the time to enrich your understanding of Mormon culture.8 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Details matterBy Michael MorrisI cannot provide a review of the entire book; which I have not completed. But when the "largest branch" of Mormonism is misidentified in the introduction as "The Church of Latter-day Saints" instead of its actual name "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints;" I cannot help but question the credibility of the authors and editors. For a book that claims to correct misconceptions about Mormons and the "LDS Church;" beginning by removing the name "Jesus Christ" from the name of the church is not a good beginning.I look forward to reading the book in its entirety as their project seems interesting. And I only hope this initial factual error is not the first of many.
