Huehnergard's Akkadian Grammar

After a long wait, we have finally secured the rights to Jake's newest review. An appalling lack of reader response to matters of the ancient near east may indicate that people are ready for a change of pace. I'm working on an American History book and a large novel, but won't be ready with a review for several weeks. If anyone else has a good review, please submit it and I'll post it. - RD

The recent reprinting of John Huehnergard’s grammar (A Grammar of Akkadian, Harvard Semitic Studies #45) on September 2, 2005 is a great boon to all those interested in history. Mesopotamia, the cradle of human civilization, was where writing was not only developed—but where literature flourished. And this is precisely why Huhnergard’s grammar is so important: 60% of the history of writing is written in Akkadian and surely any student with a modicum of interest in history would be unsatisfied with such a small access to the history of literature.

For those of you who already own previous editions there are some serious changes that probably require an upgrade. Many of the Cuneiform signs are changed in the Old Babylonian cursive script. The recent discoveries and decipherments have improved Assyriologist’s understanding of their Schriftlehre and the exercises have been tightened to better facilitate the acquisition of this most important (and most neglected) language. Furthermore, the presentation of some grammar rules is a bit more habile, a feature that any student will appreciate.

The sad reality of this monumental publication is that the language is probably too difficult to master for most people: it requires discipline, curiosity, and intelligence—a feature sadly lost in the musth of today’s universities. One hopes that this recent publication will function as an all too needed groyne to prevent the erosion of America’s intellect and that its next imprinting isn’t taken to a samizdat.

- Jake McCarty