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The Golden Ass (Penguin Classics)

Name: The Golden Ass (Penguin Classics)
Price: 14.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (200 reviews)

4.4 of 5 Stars: Ancient & Medieval Literature - The Golden Ass (Penguin Classics)

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Book Synopsis: An enchanting story that has inspired generations of writers, including Boccaccio, Shakespeare, Cervantes and Keats. Written towards the end of the second century AD, The Golden Ass tells the story of the many adventures of a young man whose fascination with witchcraft leads him to be transformed into a donkey. The bewitched Lucius passes from owner to owner - encountering a desperate gang of robbers and being forced to perform lewd 'human' tricks on stage - until the Goddess Isis finally breaks the spell and initiates Lucius into her cult. It has long been disputed whether Apuleius meant this last-minute conversion seriously or as a final comic surprise, and the challenge of interpretation continues to keep readers fascinated. Apuleius' enchanting story has inspired generations of writers such as Boccaccio, Shakespeare, Cervantes and Keats with its dazzling combination of allegory, satire, bawdiness and sheer exuberance, and The Golden Ass remains the most continuously and accessibly amusing book to have survived from Classical antiquity.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

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Step into the world of enchantment with The Golden Ass (Penguin Classics) book – a timeless tale that has captivated readers for centuries. Written in the second century AD, this masterpiece by Apuleius has inspired countless writers, from Boccaccio to Shakespeare and Cervantes to Keats. Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey with our protagonist, Lucius, as his fascination with witchcraft leads him to an extraordinary transformation into a donkey.

As Lucius finds himself passing from one owner to another, encountering a desperate gang of robbers and even becoming a performer on stage, the true magic of this story unfolds. Will the powerful Goddess Isis be able to break the spell and guide Lucius back to his human form? Readers have been captivated by this question for generations, and the interpretive challenge adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Apuleius' wondrous tale is a dazzling combination of allegory, satire, bawdiness, and sheer exuberance. The Golden Ass grabs hold of your imagination and refuses to let go. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its ability to entertain and provoke thought. Whether you are a fan of classical literature or simply seeking a captivating read, this book is a must-have addition to your collection.

Penguin Classics, the world's leading publisher of classic literature, brings you this remarkable edition of The Golden Ass. With over 1,700 titles spanning various genres and disciplines, Penguin Classics takes you on an extraordinary journey through history. Our editions are crafted with care, featuring authoritative texts, insightful introductions, and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors. Award-winning translators ensure that you experience the beauty and power of the original work in all its glory.

Don't miss out on experiencing The Golden Ass – a truly remarkable and continuously amusing book that stands the test of time. Grab your copy today and embark on an adventure like no other. Click here to get your hands on this enchanting masterpiece.

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