The Golden Ass

Read this translation and one by PG Walsh for Oxford World's Classics. Sorry to say, I prefer Mr Walsh's. Rudin's translation read more like Shakespeare wrote it. While Walsh's is clearer and more understandable in terms of sentence structure. Rudin's version is more interesting for want of a better description but makes it a challenge to follow the story. Walsh's version is a bit plain but again more understandable and thus easier to read.

This is a great book if your looking to laugh and maybe be a bit disturbed some time but if you read it it’s great but the ending is not great

The Golden Ass by Apuleius is the only extant Latin novel. It chronicles the bawdy adventures of Lucius, who, after applying a witch's ointment in the hopes of shapeshifting into an owl, is instead metamorphosed into an ass. Ridiculous antics ensue as he passes from master to master, and there is even a vivid scene of bestiality between Lucius with his donkey dong and a noblewoman before the goddess Isis finally takes pity on him and restores his human form. Sarah Ruden's English translation is captivating in all its raunchy Roman perversity.

I adored this incredible translation of the text. I had previously only read the Robert Graves translation of the Golden Ass and was happy with it but this version does a fantastic job of expressing so much of the comedy within the story. The notes at the beginning of the book indicated that early 20th century novels like those of P. G. Wodehouse would serve as an inspiration and I was surprised but intrigued. There was a jarring moment in the first chapter where a character uses the word "buddy" and I thought "What is going on here?" but these choices are perfect for the text and I was reminded in placed of Sondheim's A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Decisions like these make the text very accessible and energetic. My only fear was that the final two chapters might lose some of their reverence but this was not the case. The Deus ex Machina is not treated farcically; it is just as moving as it should be.

It's great to read one of the "great classics" that really lives up to its name. This one is not just a great story, but it's a lot of fun to read. Classics people tell me that Apuleius' writing style was very unique and extraordinarily difficult to translate. This translator did a wonderful job of translation -- not just in terms of conveying the Latin words into English, but in terms of conveying the puns, the alliteration, the double entendres, the dirty jokes, and the (often) scatological humor. I don't often laugh out loud while reading a funny book, but I've been laughing out loud a lot! The story is a bit like the Arabian Nights, with lots of stories told by the characters (eg, Cupid & Psyche) -- but the writing style is a bit like Damon Runyon or some very naughty stand-up comedian. The guy is a riot! Not recommended for children under 12, but a must-read for anyone who loves a good romp.

A wonderful readable translation for my Latin class. I liked the way that Ruden used certain controversial colloquialisms and allowed an opening for fruitful discussion. I wish however that there had been some notes

I was excited to buy this edition. My favorite novel, but have never read this translation.Arrived in good shape

This translation was familiar in that it was similar to my own translation of a few passages. I appreciated that it was not censored at all, which seems to be a common problem. The novel ranges widely from the pious to the bawdy, the one enriching the other. Needless to say, the profane passages are the most exciting and humorous.

A great read and translation by the master of, amongst other things readable classisism. The genius of robert Graves shines through.

Great to receive this copy which replaces the one I lent to a friend who says he lost it!

Great book, well translated and very entertaining

Read it 50 years ago. Great re-read

Most enjoyable.