Austen Henry Layard Books

Nineveh and its remains with an account of a visit to the Chaldaean Christians of Kurdistan, and the Yezidis, or devil-worshippers and an enquiry into the manners and arts of the ancient Assyrians This book, "Nineveh and its remains Volume 1," by Austen Henry Layard, is a replication of a book originally published before 1850. It has been restored by human beings, page by page, so that you may enjoy it in a form as close to the original as possible

In this volume, the Kiayah, or chief secretary, is appointed as the Governor of the province by the council until the Porte designates a new Pasha. Essad Pasha, recently returned from Beyrout, is ultimately appointed to succeed Tahyar. Despite these administrative changes, the author’s activities continue unabated. Armed with a Vizirial letter, he navigates the challenges posed by the Cadi and the Ulema, who persistently attempt to obstruct his efforts. After Christmas, he returns to Nimroud, where excavations resume with renewed vigor. The book is a reproduction of a significant historical work, published by Forgotten Books, which specializes in reviving rare and classic literature. Utilizing advanced technology, they digitally reconstruct texts while preserving their original format and addressing imperfections found in aged copies. Although some minor flaws may remain, they are retained to maintain the historical integrity of the work.

Since the publication of my first work on the discoveries at Nineveh much progress has been made in deciphering the cuneiform character, and the contents of many highly interesting and important inscriptions have been given to the public. For these additions to our knowledge we are mainly indebted to the sagacity and learning of two English scholars, Col. Rawlinson and the Rev. Dr. Hincks. In making use of the results of their researches, I have not omitted to own the sources from which my information has been derived. I trust, also, that I have in no instance availed myself of the labors of other writers, or of the help of friends, without due acknowledgments. I have endeavored to assign to every one his proper share in the discoveries recorded in these pages. I am aware that several distinguished French scholars, amongst whom I may mention my friends, M. Botta and M. de Saulcy, have contributed to the successful deciphering of the Assyrian inscriptions. Unfortunately I have been unable to consult the published results of their investigations. If, therefore, I should have overlooked in any instance their claims to prior discovery, I have to express my regret for an error arising from ignorance, and not from any unworthy national prejudice. Doubts appear to be still entertained by many eminent critics as to the progress actually made in deciphering the cuneiform writing. These doubts may have been confirmed by too hasty theories and conclusions, which, on subsequent investigation, their authors have been the first to withdraw. But the unbiased inquirer can scarcely now reject the evidence which can be brought forward to confirm the general accuracy of the interpretations of the inscriptions. Had they rested upon a single word, or an isolated paragraph, their soundness might reasonably have been questioned; when, however, several independent investigators have arrived at the same results, and have not only detected numerous names of persons, nations, and cities in historical and geographical series, but have found them mentioned in proper connection with events recorded by sacred and profane writers, scarcely any stronger evidence could be desired. The reader, I would fain hope, will come to this conclusion when I treat of the contents of the various records discovered in the Assyrian palaces.