A Matter of Criticism in Assyriology

Abstract

The BULLETIN has honored me with two articles about my book, Miscellaneous Texts (Joint Expedition with the Iraq Museum at Nuzi). Publications of the Baghdad School, Texts, Vol. VI. In BULLETIN, NO. 77, Dr. Theophile J. Meek, who himself took part in the excavations in Nuzi and published Old Akkadian Texts from Nuzi, gave a succinct review of the book. In BULLETIN, No. 79, Dr. Julius Levy undertakes to show the weakness of the method used by the writer in copying the texts as it was briefly explained in JAOS, Vol. 55, pp. 429-431. A reviewer has the right to hold opinions which are opposed to those of the author of the work he is reviewing. No author can deny this right. But Professor Lewy in his review of the present writer's work has made statements that are clearly contrary to the facts. Under such circumstances an author is justified in challenging the reviewer. In view of the fact that Drs. H. and J. Lewy are expecting to write two more reviews of my book, it is therefore my very unpleasant, but important duty, to warn other scholars about their methods in criticizing others' work. Dr. Lewy makes a triple criticism: a general criticism of the method of copying tablets; a criticism of the details; and finally an assertion that the copyist has tried to show what is not on the tablets.