Ovid's "The Art of Love" offers a guide to navigating the complexities of romance and seduction in ancient Rome. This work, notorious in its time, provides instruction on finding, attracting, and maintaining a lover, written with Ovid's characteristic wit and a blend of practical advice and social observation. The three books address both men and women, detailing strategies for courtship and exploring the dynamics of desire and fidelity within Roman society.
This volume also includes "Cosmetics," a fragment offering advice on women's beauty, and "Remedies for Love," which provides counsel on escaping the pangs of an unwanted passion. Further poems such as "Ibis," "The Walnut-Tree," "Sea-Fishing," and "A Poem of Consolation" showcase Ovid's diverse poetic voice and his engagement with personal and societal themes. Presented with a parallel Latin text and English translation, this collection provides access to Ovid's enduring insights into human nature and the timeless pursuit of love.
This volume also includes "Cosmetics," a fragment offering advice on women's beauty, and "Remedies for Love," which provides counsel on escaping the pangs of an unwanted passion. Further poems such as "Ibis," "The Walnut-Tree," "Sea-Fishing," and "A Poem of Consolation" showcase Ovid's diverse poetic voice and his engagement with personal and societal themes. Presented with a parallel Latin text and English translation, this collection provides access to Ovid's enduring insights into human nature and the timeless pursuit of love.
What readers say
4.10
81K ratings across the web 8 in 10 readers loved it
Reviewers widely appreciate the book for its historical significance and its capacity to offer deep insights into ancient Roman culture, particularly regarding family structures, societal norms, and relationships during a pivotal historical period. Many found it illuminating for understanding the cultural context of early Christian teachings, suggesting it can enhance Biblical understanding by illustrating the societal landscape Jesus and the apostles addressed. The work is lauded for its enduring relevance, demonstrating how human approaches to love and desire 2000 years ago often parallel modern sentiments. Readers also commend Ovid's comprehensive coverage, including advice for men and women, and his extensive knowledge of mythology, which enriches the text. Despite its age, many found it to be a fun and engaging read, appreciating Ovid's distinctive writing style and passionate voice.
However, the book also elicits strong reactions due to its controversial and explicit content. Reviewers frequently describe it as "scandalous" and "immoral," highlighting its frank discussions of sexual relationships, adultery, and even abuse. Some find the treatise dated, particularly its advice, which can be perceived as cynical, manipulative, or focused more on lust and affairs rather than profound love. Specific sections, such as the advice intended for women, were noted by one reviewer as less engaging than those for men. The text's direct and sometimes racy counsel on attracting and maintaining relationships, while historically insightful, led some to categorize it for restricted reading.
Overall, the book is a historically significant and thought-provoking work that continues to spark debate and discussion. It offers a unique window into ancient Roman perspectives on love, relationships, and social dynamics. This book would appeal to readers interested in classical literature, ancient history, and the cultural context of early Christianity. It is also suitable for those who appreciate Ovid's distinctive writing and his deep knowledge of mythology. However, potential readers should be aware of its explicit and sometimes controversial content, which some may find challenging or morally objectionable, and approach it as a historical document reflecting different ethical standards.
However, the book also elicits strong reactions due to its controversial and explicit content. Reviewers frequently describe it as "scandalous" and "immoral," highlighting its frank discussions of sexual relationships, adultery, and even abuse. Some find the treatise dated, particularly its advice, which can be perceived as cynical, manipulative, or focused more on lust and affairs rather than profound love. Specific sections, such as the advice intended for women, were noted by one reviewer as less engaging than those for men. The text's direct and sometimes racy counsel on attracting and maintaining relationships, while historically insightful, led some to categorize it for restricted reading.
Overall, the book is a historically significant and thought-provoking work that continues to spark debate and discussion. It offers a unique window into ancient Roman perspectives on love, relationships, and social dynamics. This book would appeal to readers interested in classical literature, ancient history, and the cultural context of early Christianity. It is also suitable for those who appreciate Ovid's distinctive writing and his deep knowledge of mythology. However, potential readers should be aware of its explicit and sometimes controversial content, which some may find challenging or morally objectionable, and approach it as a historical document reflecting different ethical standards.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Barnes & Noble Classics, 2005
- ISBN
- 9781593082765
- Language
- English
Original edition The Metamorphoses of Ovid Originally published in 1899 · English
