On the Verge of Lunacy

This comprehensive book on the chariot is comprehensive, engaging, reader-friendly, and well-organized. Casual readers need not worry about the names and events mentioned in the book because the author provides the necessary information. While students will find the notes and references section helpful for further studies. The book covers three continents and historical events and mythological scenes of the three epics, Iliad, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. It has eight chapters and several illustrations. The author discussed the possible origins of the chariot; its uses; modifications and variations of the chariot in each region; impact of the chariot on warfare; the use of weapons, armor, and;domestication of animals used for pulling, the formation of the armies in consideration of the chariots; the symbolism of the chariot; and finally the gradual decline of its use.  The following are the chapters included in this volume: I. Chariot Battle II. The Rise of the Cha...

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...

Title: The Assyrian Author: Nicholas Guild Date Published: 1987 Genre: Historical Fiction Sequel: The Blood Star Summary The story is told from the first-person perspective of the protagonist, Tiglath Ashur, a fictional son of King Sennacherib and half-brother of Prince Essarhadon.  Tiglath was given the mark of the Blood Star of Ishtar on the day his grandfather Sargon was killed by the Kullumites. Sargon is here is not to be confused with the Akkadian king. Author is most likely referring to Sargon II. The people believed that the mark is a curse, and true indeed, it seemed that Tiglath was tricked by his gods. The story covers the first 25 years of his life through the voice of an old Tiglath who now lives in Greece.  The Prince grew up in the house of women along with his half-brother Esarhaddon and many others. It was there where Tiglath met the love of his life, Esharhamat who was fated to be the Mother of Kings and wife to the crown prince, or marsarru....