This isn't a novel with a single plot. Instead, it's a collection of translated documents from ancient Babylon and Assyria. Johns acts as your guide, presenting laws from the famous Code of Hammurabi, clay tablet contracts for everything from marriage to sheep sales, and personal letters that survived for millennia. The "story" is the story of everyday life: how people resolved disputes, ran their businesses, and connected with each other in the world's first great civilizations.

Why You Should Read It

This book completely changed how I see history. Reading a law about the price of hiring a boat is one thing, but reading an actual loan agreement or a letter where a writer begs for news from home makes the past feel immediate. You realize these weren't just "ancient people"—they were individuals dealing with gossip, bad debts, and family drama. The laws show a sophisticated society deeply concerned with justice, even if their punishments seem harsh to us today. It’s a powerful reminder of our shared humanity across thousands of years.

Final Verdict

Perfect for curious readers who love history, true crime, or even anthropology, but prefer primary sources over summaries. If you've ever enjoyed a museum exhibit of ancient artifacts, this book is like getting to read the captions written by the people who actually used them. It’s a niche pick, but for the right person, it’s absolutely fascinating. Just know you're getting a scholarly compilation, not a light narrative history.