The Scapegoat: Ovid's Journey Out of Exile

Ovid, a Roman poet, was banished to a remote port on the Black Sea but continued to write, inspiring Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Milton. His handbooks of erotic love taught men and women the art of dealing with the opposite sex, and his works were banned by various authorities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2023
Publisher: Unicorn Publishing Group

Publius Ovidius Naso, also known as Ovid, was a renowned poet who gained fame for both his literary achievements and his controversial reputation. Born in 43 BC, Ovid lived a life marked by both praise and disgrace. By captivating his contemporaries, cultivating relationships with patricians, and subtly mocking the emperor Augustus, Ovid transformed himself from a provincial outsider to Rome's beloved and, for some, its corrupter. However, his fortunes took a drastic turn when he was banished without trial to a remote port on the Black Sea. Despite this setback, Ovid continued to write, and it is fortunate that much of his work has survived.

Ovid's masterpiece, "The Metamorphoses," is a testament to his literary prowess and enduring influence. This epic poem has inspired countless writers, including Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Milton, and has profoundly shaped European culture. The transformation stories within "The Metamorphoses" have resonated with audiences for centuries, offering insights into the human condition and the complexities of love and relationships.

In addition to his literary contributions, Ovid's handbooks on erotic love have had a significant impact on society. These works, which were written with a mixture of wit, wisdom, and humor, taught men and women the art of dealing with the opposite sex. They provided valuable advice on courtship, seduction, and the intricacies of sexual relationships, and they quickly gained Ovid fame and notable adversaries. However, his works were not without controversy. The emperor Augustus, Savonarola, the Bishops Ban, the Vatican, and even the US Custom Office banned Ovid's writings at various points in his life. The ban on "The Metamorphoses" was only lifted in 1930, after decades of suppression.

To better understand the man behind the poetry, Michael Solomon embarked on a journey in Ovid's footsteps, seeking to explore the same landscapes that Ovid encountered two thousand years ago. Solomon's quest took him to the same places that Ovid visited, including the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the ruins of Pompeii. Through his travels, Solomon sought to uncover the essence of Ovid the man, his experiences, and his thoughts.

In conclusion, Publius Ovidius Naso, known as Ovid, was a poet whose life was characterized by both praise and disgrace. His masterpiece, "The Metamorphoses," has left an indelible mark on European culture, inspiring countless writers and shaping the way of thinking about love and relationships. Ovid's handbooks on erotic love, while controversial, also had a significant impact on society, teaching men and women the art of dealing with the opposite sex. Despite facing suppression and bans throughout his life, Ovid's legacy continues to thrive, and his journey in his footsteps provides a deeper understanding of the man behind the poetry.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911397434