Simon Armitage for Gilgamesh

The poet laureate's exhilarating verse translation of the ancient epic poem captures its timeless and immersive power._Gilgamesh_ originated in Ancient Mesopotamia nearly 4,000 years ago, yet its themes of power, loyalty, love, and loss resound with contemporary relevance.

The eponymous demigod tyrannically rules the kingdom of Uruk.

To establish peace, the gods create his counterpart, the wild man Enkidu.

The two rivals-turned-comrades embark on a series of extraordinary adventures including battles with Humbaba, guardian of the Cedar Forest, and the Bull of Heaven.

After tragedy strikes, Gilgamesh sets out alone on a desperate quest for immortality that leads him to the very edge of the world . . .Simon Armitage's fresh and propulsive version brings _Gilgamesh_ alive as poetry.

He harnesses the rhythm of its orchestrated language and conjures a sense of poetic wholeness while honouring its inherent fragmentation.

Enhanced by illuminating commentary, this accomplished translation transports us back to the very origins of civilisation and storytelling.SIMON ARMITAGE is Poet Laureate and Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds.

His acclaimed translations include the bestselling _Sir Gawain and the Green Knight_ [https://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/books/simon-armitage/sir-gawain-and-the-green-knight/9780571223282/], _Pearl_ [https://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/books/simon-armitage/pearl/9780571302963/], and _The Owl and the Nightingale_ [https://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/books/simon-armitage/the-owl-and-the-nightingale/9780571357307/].

He was awarded the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry.