Les Metamorfosis

A latin poem in 15 books, written in hexameter verse. The work is a collection of mythological and legendary stories, many taken from Greek sources, in which transformation (metamorphosis) plays a role, however minor. The stories, which are unrelated, are told in chronological order from the creation of the world (the first metamorphosis, of chaos into order) to the death and deification of Julius Caesar (the culminating metamorphosis).

The importance of the theme of metamorphosis is more apparent than real; passion is the essential theme of the poem, and passion imparts more unity to the work than do the transformation devices employed by Ovid. The work is noted for its wit, rhetorical brilliance, and narrative and descriptive qualities. ( )

Amazing and vast collection of mythology with linkages throughout. ( )

Modern educators now issue more trigger warnings for this epic poem than Cupid has arrows, but it's an essential part of classical mythology in a superb verse translation. A considerable influence on both Chaucer and Shakespeare. Likely to be controversial at a college campus near you, but such are the sadly politically correct times we live in today. "In nova fert animus mutatas dicere formas."

Also read in October 1986. ( )

Myths are definitely one of my favorite aspects in studying history. The mystique of it, and the magic around them despite our modern explanations for many of the things myths explain. The myths in Ovid’s Metamorphoses were no exception, with the inclusion of well known and not so known myths. I highly recommend this as a read. ( )

If anyone wants to know where I go to get "stuff" for my books, and to what art I hopelessly measure up my "stuff," let me save you an interview. It's this book and very few others beside it. ( )