Ship of Ishtar

Published in 1924, 'Ship of Ishtar' by Abraham Merritt is a fantasy novel that follows John Kenton, a WWI veteran and archaeologist. After receiving a stone artifact from Babylon, he is transported to an alien world aboard a model ship representing ancient Babylonian mythology. Kenton becomes embroiled in a conflict between the gods Ishtar and Nergal, as he seeks to win the favor of Ishtar's priestess, Sharane, and liberate the ship from Nergal's control. The novel is notable for its imaginative storytelling and vivid descriptions of a fantastical realm.