Gilgamesh the King

Lisa Arsenault is a public-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

This lovely children’s book recounts an ancient Mesopotamian morality
tale. Gilgamesh, a demigod and powerful king, rules his city with
ruthlessness and cruelty. He lacks humanity because he has no positive
interaction with humans. He learns compassion through the medium of
friendship when the uncivilized forest-dweller he is trying to kill
saves his life. Gilgamesh is shocked into a realization of the value of
friendship and the necessity of human interdependence.

The illustrations are rich and vibrant with color. Borders of antique
lettering and patterns and an anarchic cast to the characters’
features harmonize with the ancient derivation of the myth.

A valuable short history of the various Mesopotamian civilizations and
the genesis of the Gilgamesh myth is included.