Ovid’s Metamorphoses: A New Translation (World Literature in Translation)

"Ovid's Metamorphoses is the original source for classical mythology. Combining the best-known versions of tales from Icarus to Medusa, Ovid's epic compendium of Greco-Roman legend has exerted an influence on European art and culture rivaled only by the Bible. Yet despite it being the magnum opus of Rome's cleverest and most creative poet, centuries of conservative translators have robbed the poem of its subversive force as a book-length exploration of power, where heroes are drained of their heroism, victims are given their say, and the earth is always holier than heaven. Coming at a political moment singularly resonant with Ovid's sympathy toward the oppressed, this boldly poetic translation matches Ovid's style while incorporating the latest scholarship on a work equal parts canonical and revisionist. Complete with annotations, glossary, and illustrations, this edition will bring fresh insights to both returning readers and those encountering the poem for the first time"-- Provided by publisher This fresh translation revives the politics and power at play in classical mythology’s foremost source Centuries of conservative translators have robbed the Metamorphoses of its subversive force. In this boldly lyrical translation, C. Luke Soucy revives the magnum opus of Rome’s most clever and creative poet, faithfully matching the epic’s wit and style while confronting the sexuality, violence, and politics so many previous translations have glossed over. Soucy’s powerful version breathes new life into Ovid's mythic world, where canonical power dynamics are challenged from below to drain heroes of their heroism, give victims their say, and reveal an earth holier than heaven. Incorporating the latest scholarship alongside annotations, illustrations, and glossary, this edition brings fresh insights to both returning and new readers.