On the Verge of Lunacy

This is not exactly a collection of stories and can instead be treated as an introduction to Babylonian and Assyrian history, culture, and religion. Several important subjects are covered which the student or casual reader might find useful in understanding the myths of the people sustained by the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. In summary, the book discussed the following: the peoples and movements in the area collectively called Mesopotamia, these include emphasis on the Assyrians, Babylonians, Hittites, Kassites, Egyptians, and the Hebrews; possible origins and ancestry of the different peoples and their customs and laws with emphasis on Hammurabi's laws; summary of the wars and succession of kings in different regions; evolution of the pantheon from "monsters" to anthropomorphic deities and their parallels in other myths; nature of ghosts, fairies, and other minor creatures; and the development of astrology and astronomy. There are separate chapters as well for t...

Two versions of the Deluge Legend is given in this book. One is taken from Berosus' account in which the name of the survivor is Xisuthrus. The other version is related to Gilgamesh by Utnapishtim and was included in the tablets of Epic of Gilgamish. The circumstances do not differ much but the details vary. The Utnapishtim version, for example, gives the number of days it took for the water to recede. The introduction given by Budge is sufficient for casual readers and students alike. He gives an account of the discovery of the tablets; description of the palaces of Nineveh and the library; physical description of the tablets; and a brief introduction of Ashur-bani-pal, to whom the famed library was credited. Budge's writing is easy to understand. The Gilgamish epic is also retold here in the last part of the book. He does not give a transliteration of the tablets but divides the story by tablet and informs the reader which parts of the narrative are undecipherable...

Miharu Rokujo's normal and seemingly boring life was messed up when one day a group of ninjas tried to kill him and another tried to protect him from the attack. Apparently, the apathetic Miharu possessed the Shinra Banshou, a powerful ninja art that can grant the possessor's wishes. He doesn't remember or know anything about it at all and he has no choice but to immerse himself in the world of the Nabari trying to understand why it's all happening to him. Miharu was introduced to Banten, his protectors, and to the other groups: Fuuma, Grey Wolves, and Togakushi. Each group had different reasons for wanting to either protect or kill him. At first Miharu wanted to get rid of the Shinra Banshou, but when he met Yoite, a Kira user, he decided to grant the latter's wishes so he can save the others. Yoite told Miharu that if he dies because of his constant use of kira, the people he attacked will also disappear and that included Miharu's friends. Yoite ask...