The King of Uruk by Frederic Manning
The King of Uruk is a novel by Frederic Manning that tells the story of an ancient Sumerian king who must navigate political intrigue and personal struggles in order to maintain his power. The book explores themes of leadership, loyalty, and betrayal, as well as the complex relationships between rulers and their subjects.
By Frederic Manning · First published 1928 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Mythology · 14,636 words
First lines
I.
When Merodach, the King of Uruk, sate down to his meals, he made his enemies his foot-stool; for beneath his table he kept an hundred kings, with their thumbs and great toes cut off, as living witnesses of his power and clemency. When the crumbs fell from the table of Merodach, the Kings would feed themselves with two fingers; and when Merodach observed how painful and difficult the operation was, he praised God for having given thumbs to man.
What this Textopian page supports
The King of Uruk is listed on Textopian as a novella by Frederic Manning, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Frederic Manning
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Mythology, Drama, Fantasy
- Length: 14,636 words
- Structure: 1 section, 207 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The King of Uruk by Frederic Manning
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The King of Uruk?
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- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, focusing on ancient Mesopotamia and its cultural and political dynamics.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey or quest, with characters facing various challenges and obstacles.
- Mythology — The story incorporates elements of ancient myths and legends, drawing on traditional tales and characters.
- Drama — The book explores complex characters and emotional themes, emphasizing personal and interpersonal conflicts.
Tags
ancient · Mesopotamia · epic · mythology · heroism · civilization · power · leadership · friendship · adventure · conflict · fate