Author Description

The Golden Ass, originally titled The Metamorphoses of Apuleius, is the only ancient Roman novel in Latin to have survived in full. This bawdy, frolicsome, and richly imaginative tale follows the curious Lucius, a young man from Madaurus (also the hometown of the author, Apuleius), whose fascination with magic leads him into trouble. Attempting to transform into a bird through a spell, Lucius is instead turned into an ass, setting off a long and eventful journey-both literal and metaphorical. Along the way, Lucius encounters a series of humorous, tragic, and magical tales, woven into the novel's narrative fabric. Ultimately, it is the intervention of the goddess Isis that restores him to his human form, and he becomes a devoted member of her cult. This timeless work offers readers a glimpse into the ancient world through a mix of farce, philosophy, and mysticism, making it a timeless favorite for two thousand years. Jack Lindsay's version is the first English translation to include risqué passages that were previously either omitted or rendered in Latin. This Warbler Classics edition features sixteen exquisite images by Jean de Bosschère, which first appeared in a limited edition of The Golden Ass in 1923.