The Metamorphoses Of Ovid

What a lovely rendition to one of the most beautiful classic latin books! The verse translations flow seamlessly from one myth to another, peppered with clever rhymes. I quickly read through a third of the book, often late at night, and found it hard to put the book down. It offers a fun path toward learning Greek/Roman myths through poetic art. I also bought the paperback edition so I can alternate between two media. The kindle version is great with better section headings and dictionaries, which I used often, since the already thick book doesn't have a separate footnote section.

I've attempted one other translation of Metamorphoses, but I came right back to Mendelbaum's. There was something missing in the very first pages of the other one, but this version carries you, as Ovid would have appreciated, seamlessly through this highly political Roman appropriation of Greek myth and history. The myth is beautiful. There must have been hundreds of characters, god and mortal alike, forced into crises and transformed in moments of untenable lust, rage, or just plain foolishness. I particularly enjoyed the huntress stories, and it was very cool to read Pyrahmus and Thisbe, the myth that inspired Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The political elements of this, however, are tedious. Apotheosizing Caesar feels like that moment in a movie when the lead actor breaks out a can of Pepsi. I imagine this was both a patriotic and practical gesture for one of his patrons, even though the guy would return the favor later by exiling him. If I could go back in time, I'd ask him to replace the political chapters with one called "Nice Guys Finish on an Island."

I am very pleased with this translation of Ovid's "Metamorphoses." Although I cannot compare it with the original Latin, the language reads smoothly and pleasantly. I have been pairing reading it with another version available in Kindle format (Martin translation, Norton edition) and with a prose version. This is my favorite of the three, although I sometimes find it easier to read the prose version of a particular tale first. I like the listing on the cover page of each book of the tales contained within that section -- and the use of lines to separate lines of the text in accordance with the beginnings and endings of those myths. My copy came from an external supplier and was in like-new condition, albeit perhaps with the paper a little yellowed. I am accompanying reading this with Hamilton's "Mythology" and some of the writings of Joseph Campbell and Roberto Calasso. Myths are so integral to literature that there is a special pleasure in spending some time with them from time to time. It is always surprising to discover the nuances and the contexts within which they have been captured, rather like a winged bee or dragonfly in amber. Ovid's versions stress metamorphoses and shape-changing, rather than static symbols. His light, playful, sometimes cynical touch makes him generally a delight to read, although one can still get bogged down in names and relationships, as well as transitions from one story to another.

I did research and the consensus was that this is the most accurate translation of Ovid's original "Metamorphoses," and from what I can tell, it really is! I'd say if you can decode Shakespeare, you'll probably be able to figure out this book pretty well. I ordered used and had a bit of trouble with the external seller, but I think that ordering new wouldn't have caused any issues. For the content and thickness of the book, I'd say the price is very reasonable!

This renowned book, Metamorphoses by Ovid, published by Everyman's Library, is beautifully bound with high-quality printing and paper. I also own a copy of Dante's Divine Comedy, translated by Allen Mandelbaum, which is a poetic rather than a prose translation. Mandelbaum’s poetic approach makes the reading experience particularly enjoyable.

Very good book to have in your collection with classic myths of ovid. Translation is well done. The paperback book came in near perfect condition.

I believe if you’re going to do hardcover, do it right !!! This is a beautiful copy ! Dust cover or not, it’s beautiful! Everyman library never fails! Gorgeous, sturdy, well made, perfect size. No complaints.

The mythos is just incredible to read in an turn of the millennia collection of temple myth. What did they think? What was their myth? This gets us closer to that world that was before christianity.