Shakespeare's Ovid, Being Arthur Golding's Translation of the Metamorphoses

"Arabic Hidden Words" by Bahá'u'lláh is a profound spiritual work that distills the essence of the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith into a collection of poetic verses. This text invites listeners to explore themes of love, unity, and the pursuit of truth, resonating deeply with the human experience across cultures and eras. The timeless wisdom contained within these hidden words encourages reflection on one's personal journey and connection to the divine. As society grapples with issues of division and misunderstanding, the messages of compassion and oneness in this work are particularly relevant today, offering guidance and inspiration for a more harmonious world.

"Venus and Adonis" is a timeless narrative that explores the themes of desire, beauty, and the complexities of love through the passionate and tumultuous relationship between the goddess Venus and the mortal Adonis. This poetic tale delves into the interplay between longing and rejection, offering listeners a profound reflection on the nature of affection and the often-painful pursuit of desire. Its enduring relevance lies in its exploration of the human heart, making it a poignant reminder of the universal struggles we face in love and attraction.

"Satyricon" by Gaius Petronius Arbiter is a captivating exploration of Roman society through a satirical lens, blending humor and sharp social commentary. This ancient text delves into the lives of its characters, showcasing their desires, decadence, and the complexities of human nature. Its themes of excess, morality, and the pursuit of pleasure resonate powerfully even today, reflecting timeless questions about societal values and personal fulfillment. Listening to "Satyricon" offers a unique glimpse into a world that, despite its historical context, mirrors contemporary struggles with identity and hedonism, making it an enduring classic worth experiencing now.

"Tales of 1928" offers a rich selection of folktales, fables, and legends drawn from various books published in that remarkable year. This compilation showcases timeless narratives that reflect universal themes of morality, transformation, and the human experience. The stories resonate with listeners today, as they explore the complexities of life and the lessons learned from both triumphs and failures. By revisiting these tales, we connect with the wisdom of the past, reminding us of the enduring nature of storytelling and its power to shape our understanding of the world. Experience the magic of these narratives that continue to inspire and entertain across generations.

"Sins of Hollywood-Edward Roberts" delves into the darker side of the film industry, exploring the moral complexities and ethical dilemmas faced by those within it. This gripping narrative reveals the seductive allure of fame and success, juxtaposed against the personal sacrifices and moral failings that often accompany it. As the story unfolds, listeners will find themselves reflecting on the timeless themes of ambition, desire, and the consequences of one's choices. The exploration of these enduring issues makes this audiobook a compelling listen, resonating with anyone who grapples with the pursuit of dreams and the shadows that can linger in their wake.

The "Girl Scout Collection-Various" offers a delightful assortment of stories and themes that celebrate the spirit of adventure, friendship, and personal growth, echoing the values instilled by the Girl Scouts. This collection is a treasure trove of narratives that inspire courage and resilience, making it particularly relevant in today's world, where the importance of community and support is paramount. Each story resonates with timeless lessons about teamwork and self-discovery, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys. Dive into this engaging anthology that not only entertains but also empowers, reminding us all of the enduring principles that unite and uplift us.

"Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame invites listeners into a whimsical world where the adventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and the impulsive Toad unfold along the riverbank and beyond. This timeless tale explores themes of friendship, adventure, and the joys of nature, resonating deeply in a world that often overlooks the simple pleasures of life. The characters embody qualities that remind us of the importance of camaraderie and the balance between responsibility and playfulness. As relevant today as it was at its publication, this enchanting story encourages us to reconnect with the beauty of our surroundings and the bonds we share with others.

"History Of Egypt, Chaldea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, Vol. 1" by Gaston Maspero delves into the rich tapestry of ancient civilizations, exploring their cultures, achievements, and legacies. This comprehensive account sheds light on the intricate connections between these historical regions and their contributions to human civilization. Hearing Maspero’s insights today offers a profound understanding of how these ancient societies laid the groundwork for modern governance, architecture, and philosophy. The themes of cultural exchange and the continuity of human endeavor resonate strongly, reminding us of the enduring impact of history on our present and future.

"Prelude" by William Wordsworth is a profound exploration of the poet's own development and the nature of creativity, reflecting on the interplay between imagination and experience. This work delves into the themes of personal growth, the power of nature, and the transformative journey of the human spirit, making it a timeless piece that resonates with listeners today. Wordsworth's introspective insights encourage a deeper understanding of one's own emotional landscape and the world around us. The enduring relevance of these themes invites contemporary audiences to reflect on their own lives and the significance of artistic expression in navigating the complexities of existence.

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's "Introduction to The Philosophy of History" delves into the intricate relationship between history and philosophy, exploring how historical events shape human consciousness and societal development. Hegel presents the idea that history is a rational process, wherein each epoch contributes to the unfolding of human freedom and self-awareness. This profound examination of historical progress remains relevant today, as it encourages listeners to reflect on the lessons of the past and the ongoing evolution of society. By engaging with Hegel's insights, one can gain a deeper understanding of the forces that drive change and the philosophical underpinnings that continue to influence our world.

"Diatessaron: A Harmony of the Four Gospels" by Tatian presents a unique synthesis of the four canonical Gospels, blending their narratives into a single, coherent account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This work is significant for its attempt to unify the differing perspectives found in the Gospels, emphasizing the common themes of faith, redemption, and divine love that resonate through the ages. Listening to this audiobook offers a chance to reflect on the enduring impact of these foundational stories, which continue to inspire and challenge our understanding of spirituality and morality today.

Ovid represents his work as a celebration of mutability in the form of a history of the world's notable transformations. It is a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology, valuable not only as a guide to the study of ancient literature and religion but also as an aid to understanding and appreciating later literature since it has been studied and often alluded to by educated Western writers. Mutability is not only the subject of the poem but the essence of Ovid’s narrative technique. The subject matter permits the poet to alternate between exciting action scenes and detailed psychological portraits in the form of interior monologues, especially of women tortured by indecision. The pace of the narrative varies greatly as he lingers here, rushes there, some stories occupying five pages, others five lines. The tone too varies greatly, for the characters have unique voices that alter according to emotion and audience, and the narrative voice itself also changes unpredictably. One story of violence, like the death of Hercules, may be treated with great dignity throughout, while free-for-all battles defiling places better suited to celebration crescendo from one bizarre death to one yet more bizarre until we find ourselves laughing at carnage. One such episode is followed incongruously by a recital performed by the nine Muses to a bored divine audience. Tone can undergo drastic changes even within a single tale. For example, a lengthy adventure demonstrating that the gods as well as humans have hearts ends cynically (blasphemously?) when Jupiter, discarding the role of wise king who must make hard decisions, casually rapes the nymph Callisto during a routine perimeter check and then, business done, immediately rises into the bliss of heaven. Ovid follows a roughly chronological organization, but inclusion is more important to him than continuity. If between tales he can cram in a compressed tale or two, he does so, with a semblance of transitions, but when it comes to narrative connections between episodes of a single story, even to explain motivation or character development—that of Medea is a prime example—he simply does not take the trouble; he just tacks them together like the tail on a kite. He could afford to assume that readers of his day would know most of the major stories already as well as the names of all of the gods, so brief allusions to them would suffice. Arthur Golding, the translator, assumes, like Ovid, that readers will be familiar with the stories and the characters' names. Therefore he uses trimmed versions (Persey for Perseus) or aliases or titles (Athena or Pallas for Minerva) to suit his metrical needs. Comparing the opening of a book with the conclusion often reveals dimensions of the poem one had not suspected. Sometimes he ties up motifs; sometimes the passages clash, as when the exalted paean to Achilles' enduring fame at the end of Book 12 is taken along with that book's opening description of the house of fame. Such experiences teach readers to be sensitive to subtle ironies. The Emperor Augustus must surely have been aware of how the final book's promise of Rome's everlastingness is undercut by so many prior examples of the inexorable triumph of mutability, not to mention the scarcely veiled cynicism with which Julius Caesar's deification is described. Of course, all this is spoken in the voice of a notorious vegetarian fanatic (Pythagoras!), who winds up the poem's theme with recollections of his own past lives, but Augustus knew very well the sly tricks of writers who want to avoid censorship. No wonder the poet was exiled to the ends of the earth! And no wonder he staged a public burning of his manuscript (secure in the knowledge that copies were safe in the hands of friends). (Summary by Thomas A. Copeland)

Ovid represents his work as a celebration of mutability in the form of a history of the world's notable transformations. It is a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology, valuable not only as a guide to the study of ancient literature and religion but also as an aid to understanding and appreciating later literature since it has been studied and often alluded to by educated Western writers. Mutability is not only the subject of the poem but the essence of Ovid’s narrative technique. The subject matter permits the poet to alternate between exciting action scenes and detailed psychological portraits in the form of interior monologues, especially of women tortured by indecision. The pace of the narrative varies greatly as he lingers here, rushes there, some stories occupying five pages, others five lines. The tone too varies greatly, for the characters have unique voices that alter according to emotion and audience, and the narrative voice itself also changes unpredictably. One story of violence, like the death of Hercules, may be treated with great dignity throughout, while free-for-all battles defiling places better suited to celebration crescendo from one bizarre death to one yet more bizarre until we find ourselves laughing at carnage. One such episode is followed incongruously by a recital performed by the nine Muses to a bored divine audience. Tone can undergo drastic changes even within a single tale. For example, a lengthy adventure demonstrating that the gods as well as humans have hearts ends cynically (blasphemously?) when Jupiter, discarding the role of wise king who must make hard decisions, casually rapes the nymph Callisto during a routine perimeter check and then, business done, immediately rises into the bliss of heaven. Ovid follows a roughly chronological organization, but inclusion is more important to him than continuity. If between tales he can cram in a compressed tale or two, he does so, with a semblance of transitions, but when it comes to narrative connections between episodes of a single story, even to explain motivation or character development—that of Medea is a prime example—he simply does not take the trouble; he just tacks them together like the tail on a kite. He could afford to assume that readers of his day would know most of the major stories already as well as the names of all of the gods, so brief allusions to them would suffice. Arthur Golding, the translator, assumes, like Ovid, that readers will be familiar with the stories and the characters' names. Therefore he uses trimmed versions (Persey for Perseus) or aliases or titles (Athena or Pallas for Minerva) to suit his metrical needs. Comparing the opening of a book with the conclusion often reveals dimensions of the poem one had not suspected. Sometimes he ties up motifs; sometimes the passages clash, as when the exalted paean to Achilles' enduring fame at the end of Book 12 is taken along with that book's opening description of the house of fame. Such experiences teach readers to be sensitive to subtle ironies. The Emperor Augustus must surely have been aware of how the final book's promise of Rome's everlastingness is undercut by so many prior examples of the inexorable triumph of mutability, not to mention the scarcely veiled cynicism with which Julius Caesar's deification is described. Of course, all this is spoken in the voice of a notorious vegetarian fanatic (Pythagoras!), who winds up the poem's theme with recollections of his own past lives, but Augustus knew very well the sly tricks of writers who want to avoid censorship. No wonder the poet was exiled to the ends of the earth! And no wonder he staged a public burning of his manuscript (secure in the knowledge that copies were safe in the hands of friends). (Summary by Thomas A. Copeland)