On Ovid's Metamorphoses

The Metamorphoses by Ovid is a poem that explores change and its impact on human experience, borrowing from Greek and Roman mythology. Gareth Williams offers a fresh interpretation of the poem, highlighting its relevance to a twenty-first-century audience and its power to enrich and inform our daily lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

For over two thousand years, Ovid's Metamorphoses has captivated audiences, spanning from ancient Rome under Augustus to contemporary humanities classrooms. Drawing inspiration from Greek and Roman mythology, the poem weaves a rich tapestry of hundreds of stories, all centered around a fundamental theme: the transformative power of physical transformation. Gareth Williams, a seasoned teacher of the Metamorphoses, presents a lively and engaging reading of the poem, highlighting its enduring relevance to a twenty-first-century audience. He demonstrates how the Metamorphoses goes beyond a mere collection of tales about change; rather, it delves into the very essence of change itself. Ovid challenges us to embrace the fluidity of human experience, recognizing that circumstances, fortunes, and even our identities undergo constant transformation throughout our lives, transitioning from one stage to another.

Williams' interpretation of the Metamorphoses sheds new light on its contemporary provocations. Through fresh perspectives, he reveals the poem's capacity to enrich and inform our daily lives, even amidst the uncertainties of modern existence. By exploring the themes of transformation, change, and the human condition, Williams' reading offers a fresh appreciation for Ovid's timeless masterpiece, ensuring its continued resonance for generations to come.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 140 x 217 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231200714