About this book
Lucius Apuleius's The Golden Asse is one of antiquity's most enchanting and bizarre tales, following a young man's catastrophic transformation into a donkey and his picaresque journey toward redemption. Originally written in Latin during the second century, this classical masterpiece blends bawdy humor, supernatural adventure, and profound spiritual wisdom into a narrative that has captivated readers for nearly two thousand years.
Through a series of misadventures, our hapless protagonist encounters bandits, sorcerers, and eccentric characters while trapped in his ungainly form. Yet beneath the rollicking comedy and fantastical episodes lies a deeper meditation on human folly, divine grace, and the possibility of moral transformation. William Adlington's sixteenth-century English translation preserves the original work's playful voice and linguistic texture, offering readers an authentic window into how classical literature was experienced during the Renaissance.
The Golden Asse stands as a crucial predecessor to the picaresque novel and influenced countless works of Western literature. Its blend of satire, eroticism, and philosophical inquiry makes it remarkably modern despite its ancient origins. This audiobook is ideal for classicists, literature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an entertaining yet intellectually rich exploration of human nature and redemption. Perfect for listeners who appreciate mythology, historical fiction, and stories that entertain while they enlighten.
