Includes bibliographical references (pages 128-140) and index
This book provides a unique and accessible introduction to the complete works of Ovid. Using a thematic approach, Volk lays out what we know about Ovid's life, presents the author's works within their poetic genres, and discusses central Ovidian themes.: The first general introduction to Ovid written in English in over 20 years, offering the very latest Ovidian scholarship; Discusses the complete works of Ovid; Accessible writing and a thematic approach make this text ideal for a broad audience; A current revival in Ovid makes this timely edition highly valuable
Introduction -- Fiction and empire. Metamorphosis and fiction -- Wavering identity -- Spectacle. Homo spectator -- Poets in the arena -- Philomela again? -- Ovid and the visual arts. Faith in images -- "Songs the greater image" -- Conclusion
This book offers a novel interpretation of politics and identity in Ovid's epic poem of transformations, the Metamorphoses. Reexamining the emphatically fictional character of the poem, Playing Gods argues that Ovid uses the problem of fiction in the text to redefine the power of poetry in Augustan Rome. The book also provides the fullest account yet of how the poem relates to the range of cultural phenomena that defined and projected Augustan authority, including spectacle, theater, and the visual arts. Andrew Feldherr argues that a key to the political as well as literary power of the Metamo
