The Golden Ass

Name: The Golden Ass
ISBN: 9781922459367

by Apuleius

7.7 / 10 18K ratings

Classic

Language: English
Published: 2021
Publisher: The Text Publishing Company
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9781922459367

Embark on a journey into the heart of ancient Rome with Apuleius's "Metamorphosen Oder der Goldene Esel," widely known as "The Golden Ass." This singular surviving complete Latin novel follows Lucius, a young man consumed by curiosity and a desire to witness magic. His attempt to transform into a bird goes awry, leaving him accidentally changed into a donkey. In this unexpected form, Lucius narrates a picaresque odyssey through a world where human vices and virtues are laid bare, encountering thieves, priests, and a range of colorful characters. His animal state grants him a unique perspective, allowing him to observe the intricate tapestry of human life, love, and folly, including the embedded tale of Cupid and Psyche.

Through a series of misadventures and spiritual quests, Lucius seeks to regain his human shape, ultimately finding redemption through the goddess Isis. This narrative explores themes of identity, transformation, the consequences of unchecked curiosity, and the profound power of storytelling itself. Experience a work that has influenced literature for centuries, offering a vivid and often satirical mirror to the human condition and the path to self-discovery.

Genres: Fiction › Speculative fiction › Fantasy Fiction › Action & adventure
Where and when: Classical antiquity
Style: Form: Novel

Original edition

Metamorphosen Oder der Goldene Esel

Originally published in 1971 German Walter de Gruyter

Other editions (369)

What other readers say

Liked

The Golden Ass is widely praised as a remarkably rich and entertaining work, celebrated for its diverse content and influential narrative style. Readers enjoy its picaresque adventures, which combine humor, bawdy comedy, and elements of the grotesque. The novel is noted for its "tales within tales" structure, including the particularly beloved story of Cupid and Psyche, and its meta-fictional approach where the narrator directly engages with the audience. Many reviewers highlight its surprising contemporaneity, noting how fresh and modern it feels despite its ancient origins. Beyond mere entertainment, the book offers a unique window into second-century Roman society, providing insights into the customs and daily life of the era, and showcasing the author's sharp social critique and philosophical underpinnings.

Disliked

However, the book's content can also be a source of criticism. Some readers find the narrative repetitive, occasionally depressing, and quite gruesome, with explicit descriptions of violence, moral depravity, and sexual acts that may be off-putting. The portrayal of female characters, often depicted in negative or stereotypical roles, has been noted as unbalanced and potentially problematic. The religious conclusion, while central to the protagonist's journey, is sometimes perceived as abrupt, overblown, or unconvincing by modern readers, with some finding the shift in tone jarring or the "blind faith" aspect difficult to reconcile. Additionally, the reading experience is heavily dependent on the translation, with older versions often described as nearly unintelligible, making the book a slog for some.

In short

Overall, The Golden Ass stands as a historically significant literary achievement, being the only complete Roman novel to have survived, and has profoundly influenced later picaresque and meta-fictional works. It masterfully blends a rollicking adventure with deeper reflections on human nature, destiny, and spiritual transformation. This book is particularly recommended for readers interested in classical literature, ancient history, philosophy, or those who appreciate narratives rich in satire and allegorical depth. While its explicit content and ancient worldview may not appeal to everyone, and the choice of a modern translation is crucial for accessibility, those willing to engage with its unique blend of humor, depravity, and profound insight are likely to find it a fascinating and rewarding read.

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