Zainab Bahrani Book order

The only comprehensive survey in print of the art and architecture of ancient Mesopotamia. číst celé

The book explores the intricate rituals and representations of violence in ancient Mesopotamia, spanning from 3000 to 500 BCE. It delves into how these practices functioned as "magical technologies of warfare," highlighting their significance in both religious and military contexts. By analyzing artifacts and historical records, the author reveals the complex interplay between ritualistic elements and the societal understanding of warfare during this period.

Set in a small town, this novel explores the complex relationship between art and identity through the eyes of a talented but troubled artist. As the protagonist grapples with personal demons and societal expectations, themes of creativity, obsession, and the search for meaning emerge. The narrative delves into the impact of loss and the transformative power of art, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of inspiration and the struggle for self-acceptance in a world that often feels unforgiving.

Our ancestors, the Mesopotamians, invented writing and with it a new way of looking at the world. In this collection of essays, the French scholar Jean Bottero attempts to go back to the moment which marks the very beginning of history. To give the reader some sense of how Mesopotamian civilization has been mediated and interpreted in its transmission through time, Bottero begins with an account of Assyriology, the discipline devoted to the ancient culture. This transmission, compounded with countless discoveries, would not have been possible without the surprising decipherment of the cuneiform writing system. Bottero also focuses on divination in the ancient world, contending that certain modes of worship in Mesopotamia, in their application of causality and proof, prefigure the "scientific mind."