Metamorphoses by Ovid, Penguin Classics Hardcover
Metamorphoses by Ovid in the Penguin Classics hardcover edition is translated by Stephanie McCarter. Its new rendering foregrounds the poem’s depictions of sexual violence, alongside its stories of transformation, fate and power.
At a glance
- A new translation of Ovid’s epic poem by Stephanie McCarter.
- The listing says the translation addresses sexual violence directly, including the poem’s tales of rape and attempted rape.
- The poem includes stories such as Icarus’s flight, Orpheus’s music and Perseus’s rescue of Andromeda.
Reference price: £32.00
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The stated editorial approach makes the treatment of sexual violence explicit rather than obscuring it.
- At 544 pages, the hardcover presents the epic in a substantial single volume.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Publisher | Penguin Classics |
|---|---|
| Format | Hardcover |
| Language | English |
| Publication date | 13 April 2023 |
| Print length | 544 pages |
| Translator | Stephanie McCarter |
| Dimensions | 16.2 x 4.3 x 23.7 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 864 g |
| ISBN-10 | 0525505997 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-0525505990 |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers seeking a new English translation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
- Readers interested in how translation choices address sexual violence in classical literature.
- Readers looking for a hardcover edition of the complete epic poem.
Less suited to
- Readers who want a version that avoids explicit treatment of sexual violence.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
80% 80% - 4 stars
10% 10% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
3% 3%
Aggregate ratings lean strongly towards the highest star category, but a smaller share of ratings are lower. Without written customer feedback, the figures do not explain what readers liked or disliked. Consider whether McCarter’s stated approach to sexual violence suits your reading preferences.
Frequently asked questions
Who translated this edition of Metamorphoses?
The listing identifies Stephanie McCarter as the translator.
What is distinctive about McCarter’s translation?
The listing says it addresses the poem’s sexual violence explicitly, rather than expressing passages involving rape or attempted rape in consensual terms.
How long is this edition?
The listed print length is 544 pages.
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