Ovid's Heroides: A New Translation and Critical Essays

Book Details:

• Author: Paul Murgatroyd

• Publisher: Routledge

• Edition: 1

• Binding: Paperback

• Release Date: 23-05-2017

• ISBN: 9781138722163

• Language: English

• Pages: 266

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.0 x 0.5 inches

About The Book:

This volume provides an essential resource for scholars and students of Ovid’s Heroides, offering up-to-date translations of all 21 epistles. Each letter is accompanied by a preface that provides the mythological background, an insightful critical essay, and a discussion on how the heroine is portrayed both in the Heroides and in other works of Classical literature. The book also delves into the reception of these myths in later literature, film, music, and art, providing a comprehensive understanding of their cultural impact. Feminist perspectives are incorporated where relevant, shedding light on the role of women in these ancient narratives.

In addition to the individual epistle commentaries, the volume includes an introduction that explores Ovid’s life and works, the historical and political context of the Augustan era, and the originality and reception of the Heroides. The book concludes with a useful glossary of characters mentioned in the Heroides, further enhancing its accessibility and scholarly value.

This critical edition is an invaluable resource for anyone studying Ovid’s poetry, Classical mythology, or the representation of women in ancient texts. Its detailed analysis and thoughtful commentary make it an indispensable tool for understanding the timeless relevance of these mythological figures and their enduring influence on literature and culture.