In this continuously cited article on the Babylonian legends of Etana, Zu, Adapa and the South Wind, and Dibbarra, Harper provides a substantial wealth of detail. Each of these myths is treated with an introduction, transliteration, and translation. Philological notes are given along with a summary of the contents. Comparison is also made with other ancient tales that bear resemblance to those contained in this volume. Further remarks by H. Zimmern on the Adapa legend are also included. This study is accompanied by hand-drawn copies of the cuneiform tablets and a photographic archive of the various fragments of the texts. Remarkably comprehensive for its time, this material on the important Babylonian legends that have become standard works provides a glimpse back into the early interpretation of these texts.

Edward Thompson Harper (1857-1921) attended Oberlin College and eventually taught at Chicago Theological Seminary. He was Professor of Assyriology and Comparative Religion. After retiring he began work as assistant curator of Cryptogamic Botany at the Field Museum in Chicago.