Book Review: They Wrote on Clay: The Babylonian Tablets Speak Today

They Wrote on Clay: The Babylonian Tablets Speak Today

• Author: Edward Chiera, Edited by George G. Cameron
  
• Paperback: 251 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (February 15, 1956)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226104257
• ISBN-13: 978-0226104256

When I was living in Florida back in 2004, I came across this book in the library at our church. I'm very much interested in ancient languages, paleography, etc., so I thought I'd give it a try. Much to my delight, it was a very enjoyable read. The reader is given a glimpse into the life work and passion of the author. This is the final work of Edward Chiera and was actually completed after his death. One of my favorite features of this book is the many pictures and illustrations that are contained throughout. The pictures and illustrations allow the author to clearly communicate with the reader. Personally, the two most useful pieces of information I gleaned from this book were:

• A basic understanding of how clay tablets were made
  
• Insight into how a written language moves from a pictograph to a more formal written script

If you have even a moderate level of interest in cuneiform, clay tablets and language development, I think you'll enjoy this book. Happy reading!