The Mesopotamian Riddle - Joshua Hammer - 4 stars

[Robin P]

I wouldn't have read this book if it weren't for the fact that 1) I won it in a GR giveaway and 2) I needed a nonfiction book about the Middle East for Play Harder.

This is the story of the discovery and deciphering of tablets, friezes and other artifacts of Assyrian/Sumerian culture in the Victorian era. The experts included a reclusive Irish churchman, a dashing diplomat, and multiple adventurers who perished through violence or disease in the harsh climate. The author bases the story on the shifting rivalries among the linguists and explorers and their competition to read and understand the ancient texts.

It was a bit strange seeing places like Kandahar and Mosul in contexts other than recent conflicts.