The Metamorphoses

Charlton Griffin is the voice of classic (and often hard-to-find) unabridged audiobooks. He brings the distinction and flair one wants to hear in Great Books, while highlighting the humorous and sometimes scandalous nature of Ovid. This is one to keep on my iPod, as I have listened to it several times.

I'm big mythology fan and this poem fit the bill. I loved it so much that I went out and bought the text so I could read along. Ovid has some stunning tales. Many that I already knew, and some intriguing new ones. There is plenty of blood and gore. The only downside might be books 9-11 which can get a bit raunchy. Otherwise, this is a must for any myth buff.

A few negative (almost scathing) reviews of this recording gave me pause before I clicked to purchase, but I am so glad I ultimately ignored this (very bad) advice. This recording is a true gem. It is a GORGEOUS translation wonderfully read. I listened to the whole thing through twice in a row, and will surely revisit it soon. But first, onto Mr. Griffin's reading of Horace ... can't wait!

This is a solid well done production. The narration was very good. The central theme of this epic poem is "things that change" and this is the thread which interconnects all of the various tales. Its full of very colorful stories and loaded with fanciful creatures and all the gods are there. Loads of beautiful Nymphs hanging about in the glades and shores of quiet pools...

I love Ovid. Ovid always gets 5 stars from me. And I'm sure Charlton Griffin is a wonderful person. Unfortunately, he can make the greatest and most interesting works of all of recorded time completely uninteresting and flat. He reads as though he's bored with what he's reading. His readings certainly bore me -- and I've given him several chances so that I have several audiobooks of great works that I'll never listen to. It's a shame that so many of the greatest works in western literature are only available with Charlton Griffin reading them. Now whole new generations are helped to conclude that the great literary works of out culture are boring.

The reading is mostly great but there are weird pauses and accelerations. Some of it sounds computer-generated. It goes great for a minute or two, then there are lines rendered like directory assistance. The rhythm of the poetry is ruined.

This audio book was very disappointing and the narrator presented the material in a boring manner. If mythology is your interest, check out
"Song on Bronze" by Nigel Spivey. That audiobook is excellent!

Well, I have to say that this book will take awhile to get through. Knowing that this come from centuries ago makes it more understandable. Maybe I was thinking that this book would really get right into saying what the myths and mythology was like...