Book Review: Metamorphoses by Ovid

Here’s a brief review of Ovid’s most famous work, Metamorphoses. Ovid is one of the greatest writers from Rome’s Golden Age of Literature. His writing has lasting impact and is worth your time.
#booktube #ovid #literature #bookreview #ancientliterature

[@reformedpilgrim]

If you're interested in Roman literature, Ovid is a must-read. What ancient works have you read or would you like to read?

[@abacus813]

How can I find a modern translation with commentary to help extract the meaning?

[@reformedpilgrim]

@@abacus813 I haven’t heard of one such book before, but I just looked into it a bit:
There is an annotated edition with commentary by Joseph D. Reed, professor of Classics at Brown University.
There’s another one that covers the first 5 books of Metamorphoses, with commentary by William S. Anderson, professor of Classics at UC Berkeley.
Cambridge University Press has a commentary that is very expensive, but likely very thorough.
I can’t vouch for any of these editions, though, as I haven’t read them. But if you want to start with the free option, I’m sure there are some videos on UA-cam by people versed in Roman literature that can offer some insight.
It might also be helpful to read Edith Hamilton’s book Mythology, which will give you background on the underlying concepts in Metamorphoses. It’s important to remember that Ovid’s audience already knew these stories; he was merely telling them in a poetic way, skillfully weaving them together.

[@abacus813]

@reformedpilgrim Thanks for getting back, will read up on the suggestions. I came to Metamorphoses through the work of Joseph Campbell and Myth. So I might check out Edith Hamiltons book first. Thanks again!