Episode · People I (Mostly) Admire · 2025-10-25

Books mentioned on 169. Decoding the World’s First Writing

1 book · With Irving Finkel · Listen · Watch on YouTube

Irving Finkel is an expert on cuneiform — the oldest known writing system. He tells Steve the amazing story of how an ancient clay tablet unlocked the truth about Noah’s ark (and got Finkel in trouble with some Christians).

Steve Levitt recommended The Ark Before Noah by Irving Finkel.

Books mentioned, in the order they came up

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1. 

   The Ark Before Noah

   Irving Finkel · at 42:02

   The Ark Before Noah by Irving Finkel is a fascinating historical and archaeological examination that decodes the ancient cuneiform tablets describing the story of the great flood before the biblical account.

   Recommended

   “If you'd like to learn more about the ark story, Irving's book is called The Ark Before Noah: Decoding the Story of the Flood.”

   Steve Levitt 169. Decoding the World’s First Writing 2025-10-25 Listen at 42:02

   Where to get it

   Listen free with an Audible trialAmazon