The Epic Of Gilgamish by R. Campbell Thompson. 1928 1st Edition. Signed

Here's a peculiar rarity, The Epic of Gilgamesh (or Gilgamish, as written here) translated by the renowned archeologist, Reginald Campbell Thompson. This is a 1st edition, published by Luzac & Co in 1928. The author has possibly written on the fly leaf of this copy.

There is an inscription which reads W. Wilson served in Iraq in 1918 and became a political advisor in the region; he had an interest in the history, culture and ethnography of the area. The author, Campbell Thompson, was appointed as the lead archeologist of the region in 1918 and, in this role, was attached to the British Army.

We know that the two men were acquainted from Campbell Thompson's later work "A Dictionary of Assyrian Botany" where he recounts that Wilson sent research specimens to him. So it is very possible that the author gave this book as a gift to Major Wilson and wrote the inscription. Beneath the inscription is a library sticker stating "From The Library of Paddy Slade", the signature being hand written. Paddy Slade was a noted mid-20th century witch, occultist and author.

Above the sticker are the words "a gift from" and then an arrow pointing to Wilson's name. There is also a pencil inscription on the first page which is possibly in Slade's hand which has the date 1954. So this book was possibly gifted to Major Wilson by the author and Wilson later gifted it to Paddy Slade. Also inside is a loose sheet which is a reprint of a newspaper article from 1932 by Campbell Thompson, about the excavations at Nineveh (Campbell Thompson was the lead archeologist here).

There is a name in pencil to the corner of this, M. Wilson, possibly a relation of Major Wilson. So this rare 1st edition has possibly had quite a journey!

As you can see from the photos, the board cover is not in great condition; there is staining, bumps, scuffs and wrinkles. However, this has not transferred to the pages, which are clean and tidy.

As you can see, the title page is heavily discoloured, which is usual for this edition. The simple gold lettering is still bright on the front cover.

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