Inanna | Diane Wolkstein & Samuel Noah Kramer

Inanna [Queen of Heaven and Earth]: Her Stories and Hymns from Sumer

Accolades & Praise

• Critical Acclaim: Mircea Eliade hailed this work as "a great masterpiece of universal literature."
• Historical Landmark: Represents the first time one of the most vital ancient myths has been presented in any modern literary form.

Extended Synopsis

With the publication of this groundbreaking book, readers are introduced to a fresh, vibrant retelling of the ancient texts surrounding Inanna (known to the Semites as Ishtar), the world's first goddess of recorded history and the beloved deity of the ancient Sumerians. Illustrated throughout with historical visual artifacts of the period, the book restores the voice of the ancient goddess through epic tales of love, power, descent, and resurrection.

Samuel Noah Kramer, a preeminent expert on Sumer, and acclaimed folklorist Diane Wolkstein meticulously retranslated, ordered, and combined fragmented cuneiform tablets that comprise the Cycle of Inanna. The result is an authentic, poetic narrative that constructs a continuous portrait of the goddess from her adolescence to her completed womanhood and godship, blending rigorous scholarship with lyrical storytelling.

About the Authors

Diane Wolkstein is a renowned folklorist, performer, and author of numerous award-winning books of folklore. Known for her meticulous research and captivating storytelling, she has shared stories globally for over thirty-five years.

Samuel Noah Kramer was one of the world's leading Assyriologists and a preeminent expert in Sumerian history and language, dedicating his academic career to the preservation and translation of ancient Near Eastern texts.

Reader Targeting

• Scholars and students of ancient history, mythology, and archaeology.
• Readers fascinated by the mythology of early civilizations and the ancient Near East.
• Those interested in feminist history and the literary origins of the goddess figure.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Inanna?
Inanna, also known to the Semites as Ishtar, is the world's first goddess of recorded history and was the beloved primary deity of the ancient Sumerians.

How was this book constructed?
The authors meticulously retranslated, ordered, and combined various fragmented ancient cuneiform tablets to create a cohesive narrative of the Inanna myth cycle.

Does the book include historical images?
Yes, the text is illustrated with visual artifacts from the period, providing historical and cultural context to the myths.

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