Tales from Ovid Paperback – 19 April 1999

I bought this book after learning that Ovid was one of the inspirations for Shakespeare's development as a writer. I was slightly apprehensive as I have read Catullus in translation and that is quite a struggle in places. However, there is no other way to describe this poetry than as the work of a genius. Each poem is essentially a prose poem concerning a Roman/Greek legend and Ted Hughes has produced a work of the highest quality in his translation. Very easy to read and just brilliant stories superbly captured. Some are well known and some are much more obscure, but all are written with witty and flowing text that is so easy to read and appreciate. Ovid clearly loved life (and especially women) and his joy and humour is evident in all of the poems. Morality tales are embedded in almost all the stories, considering they are 2000 years old they all touch the heart and soul in a way that makes Ovid feel very modern. I can understand why Shakespeare loved these poems and was inspired by them. The combination of story telling, humour and sharp observation makes every page a joy.

What carries me away is Ted Hughes' conjuring of a godscape that has not the slightest relevance to contemporary existance. A work of the imagination endowed with a life that we cannot know except through a narrative created by a poet. The economy of his línes is startling. They are neither verse nor prose but their clarity makes this work sing. We are in a world of wild sensuality overwhelmed by passions so far removed from our planet that we seem to be astride a comet laughing out loud at global warming, polítical correctness and contemporary relevance. I enjoyed the ride.

I am not usually a fan of Ted Hughes, yet there is something so vivid, visceral and fresh about these renditions of the ancient myths. I love the freshness of these poetic 'translations'.

A gift but I did read some of my favourite passages and Hughes translation is exquisite. It has also been beautifully produced

I bought this book as a special gift for my young grandson, who had wished for it for Christmas.Being a lover of Ted Hughes' poetry and interested in Ovid, I had high expectations, shich were ealised in full. It is a beautifully produced book and does justice to both Hughes and Ovid!