Ovid’s Epistles
OVID. Ovid’s Epistles. London: J. Walker, 1808. To which is prefixed the Life of Ovid.
English translation of Ovid’s Epistulae Heroidum (Letters of Heroines), also known as Heroides (The Heroines), a retelling of classical myths from the perspective of the heroines. Consisting of a fascinating collection of fictional elegiac letters from women of mythology to their lovers, including letters from Penelope to Ulysses, Dido to Aeneas, Ariadne to Theseus, and Helen to Paris. This edition of Ovid’s Epistles is translated by various ‘hands’, including Mr. Pope, Mr. Dryden, Mrs Wharton, and many others, including a few anonymous ones.
This book from classical antiquity marks a turning point in the representation of women in literature. By giving voice to these fictional heroines, Ovid created a space for women’s stories and viewpoints.
12mo, pp. xi, [1], 167, [1], frontis (depicting Deianira and Hercules), additional engraved title, cont. full calf, gt single rule border to boards, decorative gilt tooling to spine compartments, leather title-piece. A charming Regency edition of Ovid's Heroines.