The Golden Ass (Oxford World's Classics)

You should probably become acquainted with some of Ovid's works before reading this novel, as some of the allusions and stories may be lost on you.

In February I debated an atheist at a university in Alabama, and he happened to bring up the Golden Ass as a partial parallel to the gospels, to answer one of my points. I hadn't read the book, so got a copy, and easily finished it off in a few days. It is full of fascinating tid-bits for the curious mind, but it also flows as lively as a brook in spring. (Until the final chapter, when Aurelius puts on an oddly prudish and pious face, considering the risque character of the story he had been telling.)

Witches, hot love, meetings with strange strangers, donkey-horse social strains, eating adjustments, murder, mayhem,festivals, Roman soldiers -- this is a fascinating introduction to the Greco-Roman world, and a darn good story, besides.

Actually it's several stories: Aurelius is never satisfied with strain-line narrative progress, but is always taking us on detours by putting various stories in the mouths of other characters. So don't be in a hurry to get to the end of the story, enjoy the ride. The most famous of those stories is the fascinating myth of Cupid and Psyche, told by an "old hag" who otherwise plays only a minor role. Aside from hearing the story in high school, C. S. Lewis also made it the basis for his (in my opinion) greatest fictional masterpiece, Till We Have Faces, a book I recommend even more strongly than this one. Lewis also echoes The Golden Ass in his character Radagash the Ridiculous in the Narnian tale the Horse and His Boy, I suspect.

In the end, I didn't find many very serious parallels here to the gospels (though Walsh supposes Aurelius may have been consciously mocking the new Jesus movement with his story), but it does open a wonderful window on the classical world -- less pompous than Apollonius, more street-level action than Plato, and almost always fun. (The final "love scenes" were a bit much, though.)

Great book and very entertaining. I would recommend it to others for light reading. It was very easy to follow.

The Golden Ass is an enchanting tale of one man's physical and emotional journey from man to beast and back to man. It provides a wonderful look at ancient Greek life with all its beauty and horrors. I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to read this book if I were you, especially if you like fiction.

This is a fine and interesting work. Came quickly as needed for school.

Wonderful telling.