The Metamorphoses of Ovid
Ovid's Metamorphoses is one of the best repositories of ancient  Greek and Roman mythology. Ovid is also a skilled poet and  storyteller with a sly and urbane wit. A number of translations  are readily available in English, including those of Rolfe  Humphries (1955), Frank Miller (1977), Mary Ames (1987), Allen  Mandelbaum (1987), and A.D. Melville (1998). Simpson (classics,  Univ. of Texas, Dallas; Gods and Heroes of the Greeks) here  offers a new prose version. His translation, including superb  notes, is accurate, using modern English and avoiding the  tendency of some translators to use archaic spellings or syntax.  His version captures Ovid the storyteller but, unfortunately,  misses the vigor and tone of Ovid's verse. For a poetic version,  Humphries's remains preferable. Simpson's prose is serviceable,  but he doesn't stand out from Miller and Ames. Suitable for  academic and public libraries. T.L. Cooksey, Armstrong Atlantic  State Univ., Savannah, GACopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.