Subject
Mythology, Classical -- Poetry Books
Best books
Ovid
The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books I-VII
"The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books I-VII" by Ovid is a Latin narrative poem written in 8 CE. This masterwork chronicles the history of the world from creation to Julius Caesar's deification through over 250 transformation myths. Spanning themes from divine comedy to vengeful gods and passionate love, the poem defies simple classification as it shifts between tones and stories. With gods humiliated by Cupid and mortals elevated above the divine, Ovid inverts the expected order, making transformation itself the constant in a world where nothing remains unchanged.
Ovid
The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV
"The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV" by Ovid is a Latin narrative poem written in 8 CE. This second half of Ovid's magnum opus continues his chronicle of transformation myths within a sweeping mythico-historical framework. Through over 250 interconnected tales told in dactylic hexameter, the poem defies simple classification, blending epic grandeur with playful subversion. Love—both divine and mortal—remains the driving force, as gods are humiliated by passion and humans elevated through their transformations, creating an inverted cosmos where desire confounds reason and permanence dissolves into endless change.
Ovid
The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in English blank verse Vols. I & II
"The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in English Blank Verse Vols. I & II" translated by J.J. Howard is a poetic epic translation of Ovid's classic work, likely written in the early 19th century. This ambitious collection explores themes of transformation and mythological tales, encapsulating the divine interactions and events that change characters and the world around them. With numerous transformations at its core, it reflects on human nature, love, and the whims of the gods. At the start of this translation, the narrative unfolds with Ovid invoking the muses to aid him in telling the tales of transformation from the chaotic origins of the universe through the ages of mankind. The text describes the creation of the world and the subsequent ages—golden, silver, bronze, and iron—each marked by a decline in morality and virtue. As the narrative progresses, it introduces pivotal characters and events, such as Deucalion and Pyrrha's survival of a great flood and the birth of various mythological figures, setting the stage for the richly woven tales of love and tragedy that follow. Through lush imagery and rhythmic verse, the opening captures the epic's essence as a tapestry of myth intertwined with the human experience.
William Morris
The Earthly Paradise: A Poem (Part II)
"The Earthly Paradise: A Poem (Part II)" by William Morris is an epic poem published between 1868 and 1870. The work features a frame story about medieval Norse wanderers who, failing to find eternal life, settle among Greek colonists. Together they exchange tales—twelve from classical mythology and twelve from Norse and medieval legends—across monthly feasts following the seasons. This ambitious collection of retellings established Morris as a leading Victorian poet and later influenced Tolkien's use of frame narratives in his legendarium.
Robert J. (Robert James) Shores
Gay gods and merry mortals: some excursions in verse
"Gay Gods and Merry Mortals: Some Excursions in Verse" by Robert J. Shores is a collection of humorous poetry written in the early 20th century. The book consists of a series of whimsical retellings of ancient Greek and Roman myths, exploring the interactions between gods and mortals while highlighting their human traits and follies. Shores employs a light-hearted tone to present these classic tales in a way that is engaging and accessible. Within the collection, Shores reimagines stories of well-known figures from mythology such as Actæon, Adonis, and Dido, infusing each narrative with a playful twist. The poems often include witty morals that reflect on themes of love, desire, and the consequences of one’s actions. For instance, Actæon’s unfortunate transformation into a stag after accidentally seeing the goddess Diana bathing underscores the blend of humor and caution in the book. Overall, "Gay Gods and Merry Mortals" provides readers with an entertaining and quirky perspective on timeless myths, inviting them to appreciate the humor inherent in human and divine relationships.
Oliver Herford
The Mythological Zoo
"The Mythological Zoo" by Oliver Herford is a whimsical collection of humorous poetry written in the early 20th century. This book blends mythology and satire, offering playful and witty interpretations of various mythical creatures, such as Medusa, the Sphinx, and the Minotaur. Through Herford's light-hearted verses, the text not only introduces readers to these legendary beings but also engages them in a clever commentary on human nature and society. The poems in "The Mythological Zoo" personify each mythical creature, portraying them in amusing scenarios that highlight their traits and quirks. For instance, Medusa struggles with the chaos of her hair made of snakes, while the Siren embraces her role as the enchanting voice of the sea. Each poem underscores a unique aspect of the creature, often leading to comic situations or insightful reflections. Whether amusingly reflecting on the absurdity of the Sea Serpent's elusive fame or the complexities of the Centaur's mixed heritage, Herford's work invites readers to revel in the humor found within also the fantastical realm of mythology, making it an enjoyable read for both children and adults.
Recently surfaced classics