A Commentary on Ovid's Metamorphoses: Volume 3, Books 13–15 and Indices

One of the longest Latin poems from the ancient world, Ovid's Metamorphoses is a significant work in Western culture. This comprehensive English commentary covers all aspects of the text, making it a valuable teaching aid and resource for those interested in the poem and its reception. Its audience includes readers from various fields, such as opera, ballet, psychology, sexuality, myth, painting, feminism, and posthumanism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 700 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Ovid's Metamorphoses, a sprawling epic composed of fifteen books and over two hundred and fifty myths, stands as one of the longest surviving Latin poems from ancient times and holds a paramount position in Western culture. This profound work delves into the realms of desire and transgression, serving as a gateway into the vast world of pagan mythology and visual imagination. As the inaugural complete commentary in English, this comprehensive analysis encompasses every facet of the text, including textual interpretation, poetics, imagination, and ideology. It will serve as an invaluable teaching resource and guide for those who are intrigued by the text and its reception.

Throughout history, Metamorphoses has attracted a diverse audience, encompassing individuals with interests in opera and ballet, psychology and sexuality, myth and painting, feminism and posthumanism, vegetarianism, and metempsychosis, among other fields outside the realm of Classical Studies. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to captivate and engage readers with its rich tapestry of themes and narratives, offering a profound exploration of human nature and the complexities of the human experience.

In conclusion, Ovid's Metamorphoses is a monumental literary achievement that has left an indelible mark on Western culture. Its enduring popularity and influence testify to the power of storytelling and the capacity of poetry to transcend time and boundaries. As we continue to engage with this extraordinary work, we are invited to explore the depths of human desire, the boundaries of morality, and the rich tapestry of mythology that it presents.

ISBN-13: 9780521895811