Enheduana: The Complete Poems of the World's First Author

The first complete translation of Enheduana's poems from the original Sumerian, which offers a rare glimpse of the female voice in the ancient world, is now available. Enheduana's poems address themes such as exile, social disruption, storytelling, gender-bending identities, war, and nature, and are essential reading for anyone interested in women's literature, religion, the environment, gender, motherhood, authorship, and empire.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

Enheduana, the world's first known author, was a priestess and royal princess who lived in Ur, in what is now southern Iraq, around 2300 BCE. She holds the remarkable distinction of being the first author whose name we know, and the poems attributed to her are hymns of immense power. These poems offer a rare glimpse of the female voice in the often male-dominated ancient world, exploring themes that remain relevant today, such as exile, social disruption, the power of storytelling, gender-bending identities, the devastation of war, and the terrifying forces of nature.

This book presents the first complete translation of Enheduana's poems from the original Sumerian. Sophus Helles' translations capture the intensity and imagery of the original hymns, which have been buried for millennia. In addition to his translations, Helles provides valuable background information on the historical context in which Enheduana's poems were composed and circulated, the literary structure and themes of her works, and their reception in both the ancient and modern world.

Enheduana's poems have been unjustly forgotten for millennia, but they are essential reading for anyone interested in the literary history of women, religion, the environment, gender, motherhood, authorship, and empire. Her words continue to resonate with readers, offering insights into the human experience and challenging our understanding of the world.

Enheduana's legacy as a poet and author is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring relevance of her ideas. Her poems provide a window into the ancient world and offer a valuable perspective on the challenges and struggles faced by people throughout history. By translating her works from the original Sumerian and providing comprehensive background information, this book ensures that Enheduana's poetry remains accessible to a wider audience and continues to inspire and educate.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 150 x 223 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300264173