One of the first history books I bought when I was a student back in the early 60's was "History begins at Sumer" by Samuel Noah Kramer. This book that I just found would have been a treasure back then - actually it still is. to me, even though it is 63 years out of date.

SUMER: THE DAWN OF ART opens with an intriguing 20 page Introduction by Andre' Malraux.

Andre Parrot continues with smooth and gently revealing, fascinating and entertaining descriptions of the artistry and history
of Mesopotamia and its environs.

He illuminates the interweaving of the artists sacred visions with art and architecture through nearly three millennia.

Though many excavations have updated information since SUMER was published in 1961,
this presentation of astonishing art transcending life into fantasy and the conclusions Parrot offered remain profound...and revelatory, as readers see the Dawn of American Southwestern Native American Pottery at Susa! ( )