The Golden Asse of Lucius Apuleius

Written in the second century A.D., this picaresque classic is the ancient world's only surviving complete novel. Concerning an inquisitive young man transformed into an ass by a magic potion, the narrative digresses into other tales of love, intrigue, and witchcraft ? a story-within-a-story technique that inspired many later authors, including Boccaccio, Cervantes, and Rabelais. This lavish hardcover edition reproduces the John Lane/Bodley Head version, first published in London in 1923. William Adlington's highly readable 16th-century translation from Latin to English is enhanced by 16 full-page plates, eight in color, and numerous black-and-white images by noted illustrator Jean de Bosschère.

Born in AD 124 in what is now Algeria, Lucius Apuleius traveled widely throughout the ancient world, visiting Athens, Italy, Asia Minor, and Egypt. The Golden Asse reflects his strong interests in both philosophy and magic.
Belgian writer and painter Jean de Bosschere (1878–1953) was deeply influenced by the style of Aubrey Beardsley and illustrated works by Oscar Wilde and Charles Baudelaire as well as erotic classics by Aristophanes and Ovid.