Ovid
Ovid was a Roman poet who lived during the reign of Augustus. He is best known for his work 'Metamorphoses,' a mythological narrative, as well as 'Ars Amatoria' (The Art of Love) and 'Fasti,' which explores Roman festivals. Born on March 20, 43 BC, in Sulmo, he was a contemporary of Virgil and Horace. Ovid's poetic influence has been profound, with his works inspiring countless other artists and writers throughout history. His later life was marked by tragedy when he was exiled to Tomis by Augustus under mysterious circumstances, where he died in 17 or 18 AD.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Metamorphoses
"Metamorphoses" is a classical epic poem that narrates the history of the world from its creation to the deification of Julius Caesar within a loose mythico-historical framework. The narrative is filled with stories of transformation, focusing on myths and legends of the Greek and Roman world. The tales, which include the stories of Daedalus and Icarus, King Midas, and Pyramus and Thisbe, among others, are all linked by the common theme of transformation, often as a punishment or reward from the gods.
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2. The Art Of Love
The book in question is a didactic poem that explores the intricacies of love and seduction from the perspective of ancient Roman society. It offers a series of instructions and advice on how to attract and retain lovers, presented in a playful and often ironic tone. The work is divided into three books, with the first two primarily addressing men and teaching them how to find, win, and keep a woman's love, while the third book is directed at women, advising them on how to secure and captivate a man's affection. Throughout the text, the author interweaves mythological references and personal anecdotes, creating a rich tapestry of amorous strategies that reflect the social and moral attitudes towards love and relationships of his time.
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3. Heroides
The book is a collection of fifteen epistolary poems presented as though written by various mythological heroines of Greek and Roman lore to their absent lovers. These letters express the women's emotions as they lament their separation, recount their memories, and plead for their lovers' return. The work explores themes of love, betrayal, and the female perspective within the context of classical myths, offering a unique insight into the emotional lives of characters such as Penelope, Dido, and Medea, who are traditionally depicted through the eyes of male heroes and writers.
