Paul Haupt’s wide range of linguistic interests was legendary. This set of short papers demonstrates that versatility and depth. The initial study, Open Sesame, explores the origins of this folkloristic phrase, tracing it back through a variety of languages. The next paper deals with two Hebrew lexemes: léç and melîç, “wanton and spokesman” respectively. Language of harnessing and plowing dominate the next selection on Shalman and Beth-arbel. The study of the Akkadian word ablu, mourner or heir, is given consideration, followed by an article concerning Arabic samm, “poison,” and relating it to Sumerian šem. All of these innovative pieces are marked with Haupt’s characteristic erudition on topics linguistic. A set of provocative papers suitable for any student of Semitic languages, this little volume will see repeated use, as befits its pluralistic contents.

Paul Haupt (1858-1926) was a renowned biblical scholar and Assyriologist. He wrote works on many of the books of the Jewish Scriptures and matters of Semitic linguistic import. He received his doctorate degree in Semitic Languages from the University of Leipzig. He taught at the University of Göttingen and Johns Hopkins University and was a founder of Beiträge zur Assyriologie and also became coeditor with Friedrich Delitzsch of the Beiträge zur Assyriologie und semitischen Sprachwissenschaft. Professionally active, he served as President of both the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Oriental Society.