Ovid, Metamorphoses X

Description

Metamorphoses is an epic-style, narrative poem written in hexameters. Original, inventive and charming, the poem tells the stories of myths featuring transformations, from the creation of the universe to the death and deification of Julius Caesar. Book X contains some of Ovid's most memorable stories: Orpheus and Eurydice, Pygmalion, Atalanta and Hippomenes (with the race for the golden apples), Venus and Adonis, and Myrrha. This edition contains the Latin text as well as in-depth commentary notes that provide language support, explain difficult words and phrases, highlight literary features and supply background knowledge. The introduction presents an overview of Ovid and the historical and literary context, as well as a plot synopsis and a discussion of the literary genre. Suggested reading is also included.

Lee Fratantuono is William Francis Whitlock Professor of Latin in Ohio Wesleyan University, USA. His books include Madness Unchained: A Reading of Virgil's Aeneid (2007), A Commentary on Virgil, Aeneid XI (2009), Madness Transformed: A Reading of Ovid's Metamorphoses (2011) and Madness Triumphant: A Reading of Lucan's Pharsalia (2012). Publius Ovidius Naso (43 BC-AD 17) was born at Sulmona in central Italy. Born into a wealthy Roman family and seemingly destined for a career in politics, he held some minor official posts before leaving public service to write, becoming one of the most distinguished poet of his time. His works include Amores, Heroides, Ars Amatoria and Metamorphoses.

Ovid: Metamorphoses X is strongly recommended for first time readers of Ovid and advanced scholars ... This work is a highly valued addition to the rich collection of Bloomsbury Latin Literature series. -- Clifford S. Broeniman * Classical Journal * Complete books of the Metamorphoses tend to lack modern commentaries, which makes this edition a necessary addition to the library of anyone reading the whole book or at least some of the better-known stories extracted from it. -- John Bulwer * Classics for All Reviews * Any lover of Latin and of Ovid will love Fratantuono's sharp and lucid exploration of the text and its background. His secondary reading is exhaustive but never exhausting and he shows a sharp eye for detail as well as a judicious ear for poetry. He deserves our deepest gratitude for this inspiring book, the first edition in English of Met 10 and the perfect guide for anyone interested in reading this superb Latin poetry in the original. He makes the Latin come alive and helps the reader to see the sheer delight in Ovid's work. -- John Godwin, Moreton Hall School, Oswestry, UK, author of Ovid: Metamorphoses III (Bloomsbury Academic, 2014)