George Smith 
The Chaldean Account of Genesis 

In George Smith’s book, ‘The Chaldean Account of Genesis, ‘ readers are presented with a groundbreaking analysis of ancient Mesopotamian texts that shed light on the similarities between the Genesis creation story and earlier myths. Smith’s meticulous research and clear writing style make this book accessible to both scholars and general readers interested in understanding the literary connections between the Bible and ancient Near Eastern literature. The book provides a detailed comparison of the Genesis account with the older Enuma Elish and Atrahasis epics, revealing the cultural and religious influences on the biblical narrative. Smith’s work challenges traditional interpretations of Genesis by placing it within its historical and literary context, offering new insights into the ancient origins of Judeo-Christian beliefs. George Smith, a renowned Assyriologist and philologist, was a pioneer in the field of deciphering cuneiform texts from ancient Mesopotamia. His expertise in Sumerian and Akkadian languages allowed him to make significant contributions to the understanding of Mesopotamian literature and history. Smith’s passion for uncovering the connections between ancient civilizations and biblical traditions inspired him to write ‘The Chaldean Account of Genesis’ as a way to bridge the gap between academic research and popular understanding of the Bible’s cultural roots. I highly recommend ‘The Chaldean Account of Genesis’ to anyone interested in exploring the fascinating intersections of biblical narrative and ancient Mesopotamian myths. George Smith’s thorough analysis and scholarly approach make this book an essential read for students of the Bible, history, and literature, offering a fresh perspective on the enduring legacy of ancient Near Eastern civilizations.

About the author

George Smith, not to be confused with numerous persons of the same moniker, holds a distinct position in the annals of Assyriology. His seminal work, ‘The Chaldean Account of Genesis’ (1876), provides deep insight into the Mesopotamian mythos, particularly focusing on the parallels between the Biblical and Chaldean (Babylonian) creation narratives, including the famous story of the Great Flood. Smith’s contributions were groundbreaking in the 19th century when the field was in its infancy. A self-made scholar, Smith was born to a working-class family and began his career as an engraver, but his fascination with ancient cuneiform led him to the British Museum and under the tutelage of Sir Henry Rawlinson. His work was not without controversy; his assertions about the Genesis account being derivative of earlier Mesopotamian lore sparked debates that resonate into modern theological discussions. Praised for his meticulous approach and persistence despite a lack of formal education, Smith laid the foundation for the comparative study of ancient Near Eastern and Biblical literature. Sadly, his career was cut short by his untimely death in Aleppo at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy of passion for ancient wisdom and the revelation of the Mesopotamian influence on early Hebrew texts.