Religion and Apuleius' Golden Ass: The Sacred Ass

This volume examines Apuleius' comic donkey novel, The Golden Ass, within the context of the popular beliefs and Jewish and Christian writings of his own day in 2nd century C.E. North Africa. It explores how Apuleius presented Isis and Osiris as desirable alternatives to Christianity and magic, offering hope of spiritual renewal. It also includes images of contemporary art, such as amulets and terra cotta figures, to better understand how Apuleius maintained an intellectual independence in a North African milieu while still drawing on hope in the salvation of the gods.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into Apuleius' comedic donkey novel, The Golden Ass, within the rich tapestry of popular beliefs and Jewish and Christian writings that permeated the intellectual culture of 2nd century C.E. North Africa. This culture, which can also be glimpsed in some early Arabic writings, offers a captivating window into the past. The novel was crafted against a backdrop of diverse cultural and religious influences, where the donkey held a multifaceted significance, encompassing both positive and negative connotations. However, it is noteworthy that the donkey tended to receive admiration in Jewish, Christian, and later Muslim writings. Smith embarks on a captivating exploration of the influence of these popular opinions on The Golden Ass and how Apuleius skillfully presented Isis and Osiris as desirable alternatives to the claims of Christianity and magic. He offers a hopeful vision of spiritual renewal, drawing inspiration from contemporary religious apocalyptic literature. Accompanied by captivating images of contemporary art, including amulets and terra cotta figures, this volume provides readers with a deeper understanding of how Apuleius, despite his affiliation with Platonism and the Roman establishment, managed to maintain intellectual independence in the vibrant North African milieu while still holding onto the hope of the salvation of the gods.

Religion and Apuleius Golden Ass presents a groundbreaking and intriguing perspective on this highly debated novel, appealing to students and scholars of Apuleius, Roman literature, Christian and Jewish literature, and early centuries of the first millennium C.E. scholars alike.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 161 x 239 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032192802