Book description
Winner of the 2023 Academy of American Poets Harold Morton Landon Translation Award The first female translator of the epic into English in over sixty years, Stephanie McCarter addresses accuracy in translation and its representation of women, gendered dynamics of power, and sexual violence in Ovid's classic. A Penguin Classic Ovid's Metamorphoses is an epic poem, but one that upturns almost every convention. There is no main hero, no central conflict, and no sustained objective. What it is about (power, defiance, art, love, abuse, grief, rape, war, beauty, and so on) is as changeable as the beings that inhabit its pages. The sustained thread is power and how it transforms us, both those of us who have it and those of us who do not. For those who are brutalized and traumatized, transformation is often the outward manifestation of their trauma. A beautiful virgin is caught in the gaze of someone more powerful who rapes or tries to rape them, and they ultimately are turned into a tree or a lake or a stone or a bird. The victim's objectification is clear: They are first a visual object, then a sexual object, and finally simply an object. Around 50 of the epic's tales involve rape or attempted rape of women. Past translations have obscured or mitigated Ovid's language so that rape appears to be consensual sex. Through her translation, McCarter considers the responsibility of handling sexual and social dynamics. Then why continue to read Ovid? McCarter proposes Ovid should be read because he gives us stories through which we can better explore ourselves and our world, and he illuminates problems that humans have been grappling with for millennia. Careful translation of rape and the body allows readers to see Ovid's nuances clearly and to better appreciate how ideas about sexuality, beauty, and gender are constructed over time. This is especially important since so many of our own ideas about these phenomena are themselves undergoing rapid metamorphosis, and Ovid can help us see and understand this progression. The Metamorphoses holds up a kaleidoscopic lens to the modern world, one that offers us the opportunity to reflect on contemporary discussions about gender, sexuality, race, violence, art, and identity.
About the Author
Ovid (43 BC-AD 17) was born in central Italy. He was sent to Rome where he realised that his talent lay with poetry rather than with politics. His first published work was Amores, a collection of short love poems. He was expelled in A.D. 8 by Emperor Augustus for an unknown reason and went to Tomis on the Black Sea, where he died. Stephanie McCarter is Professor of Classical Literature at the University of the South in Sewanee. She has published translated work on Horace and has written for Sewanee Review, Eidolon, Electric Literature and The Millions.
Rummy Stickers
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Romance Princess
As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
Bliss
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze.
Vicious Street
I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's functionality is a standout. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
MythMaker
AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Twinkle Cocoa
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
ByteBard
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes. π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine.
Gas Man
The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
X-Dew
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. The app never crashes. Itβs reliable and stable.
Kevlar Wanted
This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
WanderWord
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
Spoiler Betty
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring!
Jigsaw
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Firefly
No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
Kill Switch
This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Wildcat Appaloosa
π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Moon Solitaire
With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities.
Sky Dahlia
I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives.
Evil Smith
ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
Abyss Tamer
π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience