THE DRAGON OF THE ISHTAR GATE

by L. Sprague de Camp ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 1, 1961

A prolific writer of science, science fiction, and historical novels has set this adventure in the time of Xerxes. Characterization and plot are slight, and the book is chiefly a travelogue of ancient scenes and customs. Big Bessas is rescued from death on the stake by his former tutor, the Greek Myron, on condition that they travel to the source of the Nile to bring back the ingredients of an elixir of youth for . They are the Dragon of the Gate, the car of a king and the heart of a . Enemies try to waylay them and they are joined by other adventurers and two . Their bloody skirmishes are interspersed with of ancient temples, tortures, . When they accompany Egyptian grave robbers into a tomb, they acquire the of a king. The Dragon, they learn, probably does not exist-but in a in African they find a treasure chest. With this, a Pygmy chief rescued from , and an , they back to Xerxes. The great king is about to use heard the when he is assassinated.... Personal relations are to novel and with its elements of magic, and adventure, it is of an . But there is a sound basis of historical research, and for some It will .

Pub Date: Dec. 1, 1961

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1961

Categories: FICTION