The Love Poems

Ovid, A. D. Melville, E. J. Kenney (Emeritus Kennedy Professor of Latin and Fellow, Emeritus Kennedy Professor of Latin and Fellow, Peterhouse, Cambridge)

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English

Worlds Classics
08 May 2008

Literature, Poetry & Criticism; Poetry by individual poets

Series: Oxford World's Classics

Ovid's love-poetry was typically original and innovative. His witty analysis in the Amores (Loves) of the elegiac relationship develops with relentless irony its essential paradox - love as simultaneously fulfilling and destructive - to its logical conclusion: definitive disestablishment of the poet-lover's role as presented by Gallus, Tibullus, and Propertius. In its place he went on to offer in the Ars Amatoria (Art of Love) and Remedia Amoris (Cures for Love) an equally brilliant presentation of an alternative and more realistic conception of love as a game at which both sexes can play without getting hurt - providing they stick to Ovid's rules.

Under the surface of Ovid's wit there runs an undercurrent of serious meaning: the theme of the poet's complete control of his medium and his art and a proud consciousness of his achievements. His claim to be `the Virgil of elegy' is arrestingly justified in these extraordinarily accomplished poems.

Alan Melville's accomplished translations match the sophisticated elegance of Ovid's Latin. Their witty modern idiom is highly entertaining. In this volume he has included the brilliant version of the Art of Love by Moore, published more than fifty years ago and still unequalled; the small revisions he has made will enhance the reader's admiration for Moore's achievement.

By: Ovid
Introduction by: E. J. Kenney (Emeritus Kennedy Professor of Latin and Fellow Emeritus Kennedy Professor of Latin and Fellow Peterhouse Cambridge)
Translated by: A. D. Melville
Imprint: Worlds Classics
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 195mm, Width: 127mm, Spine: 19mm
Weight: 233g
ISBN: 9780199540334
ISBN 10: 0199540330
Series: Oxford World's Classics
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 08 May 2008
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for The Love Poems

'Melville has worked a miracle. It is difficult to imagine that there will ever be an English version so faithful to the Latin, and written in such sound and engaging verse.' David West, The Times 'a new, faithful yet engaging translation ... Ovid was a brilliant, innovative, elegant, witty and ironic poet, who has entertained readers for thousands of years and this new version will give pleasure to many more.' Day by Day