Metamorphoses

By Ovid, David Raeburn (translator),

Book cover of Metamorphoses

Book description

'Still remarkably vivid. It is easier to read this for pure pleasure than just about any other ancient text' Nicholas Lezard, Guardian

Ovid's sensuous and witty poem begins with the creation of the world and brings together a dazzling array of mythological tales, ingeniously linked by the idea of transformation…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Metamorphoses as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Metamorphoses is like a compact classic for the classical era. If you’re interested in the works of Apollonius of Rhodes, Homer, or Virgil, but the idea of epic poetry is a bit intimidating, or if you love them and want to get an early start introducing your kids to them—Metamorphoses is a great start.

Ovid takes all the beautiful mythology—Perseus, Argonautica, Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Romulus and Remus, Atalanta—and presses them down to easily-digestible bites that are written with such levity and humour that nobody can walk away unmoved.

I love the classics. Jason and the Argonauts is probably the…

Want books like Metamorphoses?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 46 books like Metamorphoses.

Browse books like Metamorphoses

Book cover of The Metamorphoses
Book cover of Metamorphoses
Book cover of The Aeneid

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,525

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Iliad, the Trojan War, and Greek mythology?

The Iliad 39 books
The Trojan War 40 books
Greek Mythology 92 books