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.

This is a truly beautiful edition of the classic, and for a very affordable price. The binding (complete with a silky bookmark) is subtle and elegant. The text prefaces each book with a list of the myths included, along with the corresponding lines in the Latin poem listed at the bottom of every page for easy cross-referencing. The typeset, Bembo, was apparently taken from a 15th century Venetian typist; while this is peripheral to the enjoyment of the text itself, it is a wonderful detail. I can't personally vouch for the quality of Mandelbaum's translation as I haven't read other editions, but his reputation and accolades speak for themselves. The only negative (and it is a *slight* negative) is that the sleeve arrived slightly creased from delivery, but that's to be expected.

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.

I tried three other translations before I discovered this one and didn’t finish any of them. This one, however, was absolutely marvellous. I cherished reading it and imagine I will return often.

Obviously for a primarily USA audience, for instance ‘scumbled’ rather than ‘scrambled’ for mixed up. Did Ovid describing the sea before god tamed it as not being able to be ‘swum’ in rather than sailed on? It’s my understanding ancients didn’t go in for swimming, especially in the sea. Anyway, that’s all me splitting hairs as it’s a fine clear rendering. I would recommend it to anyone and at the price an essential and there are plenty of other versions and commentaries should a reader wish to delve deeper.

This is a complete text in Latin. No comments, no various readings. A print-on-command edition from Poland. As most editions on Amazon turned out to be translations, not the original, any reliable edition of the very text is welcome. Ovid is a wonderful read, and if you ever learnt Latin you want the text in original.

The writing is fantastic, a translation mindful of prosaic flow and cadence as befits such a work. The book itself though is mass market quality. Note that this review is for the paperback edition.