This volume offers up-to-date translations of all 21 epistles of Ovid's Heroides. Each letter is accompanied by a preface explaining the mythological background, and an essay offering critical remarks on the poem, and discussion of the heroine and her treatment elsewhere in Classical literature. Where relevant, reception in later literature, film, music and art, and feminist aspects of the myth are also covered. The book is augmented by an introduction covering Ovid's life and works, the Augustan background, originality of the Heroides, dating, authenticity, and reception. This is a vital new resource for anyone studying the poetry of Ovid, classical myth, or women in the ancient world. A useful glossary of characters mentioned in the Heroides concludes the book.

Preface

Introduction

Heroides 1: Penelope to Ulysses

Heroides 2: Phyllis to Demophoon

Heroides 3: Briseis to Achilles

Heroides 4: Phaedra to Hippolytus

Heroides 5: Oenone to Paris

Heroides 6: Hypsipyle to Jason

Heroides 7: Dido to Aeneas

Heroides 8: Hermione to Orestes

Heroides 9: Deianira to Hercules

Heroides 10: Ariadne to Theseus

Heroides 11: Canace to Macareus

Heroides 12: Medea to Jason

Heroides 13: Laodamia to Protesilaus

Heroides 14: Hypermestra to Lynceus

Heroides 15: Sappho to Phaon

Heroides 16: Paris to Helen

Heroides 17: Helen to Paris

Heroides 18: Leander to Hero

Heroides 19: Hero to Leander

Heroides 20: Acontius to Cydippe

Heroides 21: Cydippe to Acontius

Glossary of Characters

Select Bibliography

Index

Paul Murgatroyd has lectured at the University of Natal, South Africa, and McMaster University, Canada, in a career of over 40 years. He is the author of 11 books and over 90 articles in the field of Classical literature, especially Latin poetry, and is a published Latin poet in his own right.

Bridget Reeves received a PhD from McMaster University, Canada, and, currently teaches in Hamilton, Canada. Her research interests are in story-telling, both in prose and in verse, with a focus on the mythological character Europa.

Sarah Parker is a part-time instructor in the Classics department at Brock University, Canada. Her research interests are the ancient novel - those by Apuleius in particular - and Latin literature in general.