Gilgamesh

Grundy's earlier works of historical fantasy (Rhinegold; Attila's Treasure) turned ancient Germanic lore into entrancing, informative, modern-day page-turners. His giant-sized third novel works the same magic on the world's oldest written narrative, the eponymous Sumerian epic poem. Gilgamesh is the temporal, spiritual and military leader of the Sumerian city-state of Erech. ""Two-thirds God and one-third Man,"" he is the strongest, boldest and most intelligent of his line of rulers; he lacks only one thing--the wisdom to see beyond his own desires to the good of his people. Failing to rein in his whims, the chief priest and priestesses ask the gods to send Gilgamesh a worthy companion. Enkidu, a ""wild man,"" is found running with lions and is drawn to human company by an enticing woman. He learns the ways of civilization and becomes fast friends (and in this version, lovers) with Gilgamesh, but the outcome is not as the priests intended. Gilgamesh and his city-state win a war, but Gilgamesh begins a quest for an everlasting name that angers the gods and results in Enkidu's death. The distraught Gilgamesh must travel far from his people to find the fabled plant that can restore Enkidu's life. But can he escape the netherworld and, if so, will Erech receive him again? Grundy's plot and even his simplified language are strikingly faithful to his ancient source. Erech's religion, politics and everyday life are made real through the insecurities, doubts and decisions of a host of minor characters; all reflect Grundy's inventiveness and serious research. But the author's fidelities to his Sumerian sources can cause problems for his heroes: Gilgamesh and Enkidu remain so true to their epic originals that they can seem, in a modern novel, two-dimensional, though readers will empathize with them. Grundy's big novel of ancient life and myth belongs in the great tradition of such works, from Naomi Mitchison to Marion Zimmer Bradley. (Oct.)