The Seven Sages "Perfect in Lofty Wisdom"

The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who is two-thirds god and one-third human. The gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to counterbalance Gilgamesh's oppressive rule. Enkidu and Gilgamesh become friends after a trial of strength and embark on several adventures, including the slaying of the monster Humbaba and the killing of the Bull of Heaven. Following Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh sets out on a perilous journey to find Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Babylonian Flood, in search of the secret of eternal life. Despite his efforts, Gilgamesh learns that death is inevitable and returns to Uruk, reconciled to his mortality and appreciative of the enduring achievements of humanity.

Johannes Trithemius explores the construction and use of magical amulets. The book delves into the practice of creating amulets inscribed with symbols, sigils, and names believed to harness supernatural forces for protection, healing, and empowerment. Trithemius explains the planetary influences, astrological timing, and ritualistic procedures required to imbue these objects with potency, blending elements of astrology, alchemy, and angelology. He details how to craft amulets tailored to specific purposes, such as attracting love, ensuring success, or warding off negative energies. The work provides insights into the Renaissance fascination with esoteric knowledge.

The Enuma Elish is a Babylonian creation myth etched on seven clay tablets, recounting the struggle between cosmic order and chaos. It tells the story of Marduk, the patron deity of Babylon, who defeats the forces of chaos and establishes order in the world. The myth includes the creation of the heavens, earth, and humanity. The book, compiled and translated by L.W. King, includes detailed commentary, historical context, and comparisons with Hebrew scriptures. It also features additional Babylonian mythological accounts and an afterword discussing the impact of ancient Near Eastern mythology on the Hebrew Bible.

In 'Letters from an American,' Heather Cox Richardson offers a historian's perspective on today's political landscape. She contextualizes current events within the broader framework of American history, eliminating noise and providing clear, fact-based summaries. The newsletter is known for its informative and hopeful tone, helping readers understand the historical roots of contemporary issues such as democracy, race, human rights, and equality under the law.

In 'Orientalism,' Edward Said critiques the Western construction of the Orient as a place of mystery and exoticism. He argues that Orientalism, as a discipline and worldview, is inherently tied to European imperialism and serves as a powerful instrument of domination. Said examines how Western literature, academia, and politics have perpetuated colonialism and imperialism by creating and reinforcing stereotypes and myths about the East. He traces the development of Orientalism from its roots in the 18th century to its contemporary implications, emphasizing the intimate relationship between knowledge and power and the need to challenge these dominant discourses.