Ovid

This scholarly examination offers a comprehensive journey through the complete works of the Roman poet Ovid, from his early love elegies to the epic mythological transformations of the Metamorphoses and his final exile poetry. Newlands meticulously analyzes the thematic evolution across Ovid's career, paying particular attention to his sophisticated use of genre, his complex engagement with political power under Emperor Augustus, and his enduring literary influence. The book serves as both an accessible introduction for newcomers and a rich resource for those already familiar with the poet's vast and varied output.

What distinguishes this study is its balanced focus on both the technical brilliance of Ovid's verse and the profound human questions his work explores—themes of love, art, power, and identity that resonate deeply with a modern audience. Newlands successfully illuminates why Ovid's voice remains strikingly contemporary, making a compelling case for his continued relevance in today's literary landscape. Readers seeking to understand one of antiquity's most inventive and psychologically astute poets will find this an indispensable guide.