Ancient Mesopotamia was a rich; varied and highly complex culture whose achievements included the invention of writing and the development of sophisticated urban society. This book offers an introductory guide to the beliefs and customs of the ancient Mesopotamians; as revealed in their art and their writings between about 3000 B.C. and the advent of the Christian era. Gods; goddesses; demons; monsters; magic; myths; religious symbolism; ritual; and the spiritual world are all discussed in alphabetical entries ranging from short accounts to extended essays. Names are given in both their Sumerian and Akkadian forms; and all entries are fully cross-referenced. A useful introduction provides historical and geographical background and describes the sources of our knowledge about the religion; mythology and magic of "the cradle of civilisation".
#5854933 in Books 2005-02-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.75 x 7.25 x .50l; #File Name: 027598616096 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Decisive victory...By HMS WarspiteThe future Duke of Wellington began his decisive 1813 campaign by side-slipping his Anglo-Portuguese Army north then east; flanking French forces out of their positions on the Portuguese frontier. The two armies marched more or less in parallel; over the Douro River; then the Ebro River; to a fateful battlefield at Vittoria in Northeast Spain. At stake in the clash of arms on 21 June 1813 was the fate of the French ambition to rule the Iberian Peninsula..."Vittoria 1813" is an Osprey Campaign Series book; authored by experienced historian Ian Fletcher; assisted by illustrator Bill Younghusband. This book is slightly longer than most; as Fletcher recaps the Peninsular War to date before discussing the opposing armies; their commanders; and their plans. The Battle of Vittoria itself is carefully deconstructed to make sense of a complex day-long clash with multiple moving parts. The text is enhanced by a variety of maps; photographs; period art; and modern illustrations. The result is a very readable introduction to the key battle of 1813 in the Peninsular War. Well recommended to students of the conflict.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. It Could have been Better but I like itBy William D. PonderOne of a series of Osprey books covering the peninsula campaign. Because these battles were smaller I wish they went into greater detail about the battle and less about rehashing the same material about the overall campaign in each book. A separate book on the campaign would have been better. Still it is worth the money if your interest in Napoleonic Spain.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very good succinct introduction to the battle as well as ancillary campaignBy YodaThis book starts out providing an excellent picture; from both Allied and French sides; of the geopolitical pictures. It then discusses each sides strategic goals during the campaign. Both sides are discussed in terms of general condition of army and high officers but it is lacking in terms of the middle and lower echelons of officers as well as equipment. The history of the events leading to this battle; the battle itself and the aftermath are all discussed. Reasons for French defeat and Allied victory are also well covered (i.e.; large number of French troops being withdrawn from Spanish front to the Danube).The book is somewhat weak in its lack of color plates illustrating each sides troops. Hence for figurine and model builders not that good of a reference.
