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The Golden Asse

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The Golden Asse

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.

A Calla Edition, originally published by John Lane, The Bodley Head, London, 1923.

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$40.00
The Golden Asse
$40.00

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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.

A Calla Edition, originally published by John Lane, The Bodley Head, London, 1923.

ancient story;ancient novel;picaresque;classic literature;love and intrigue;transmogrification;transmogrify;illustrated;mythology;page turner;engaging;lively;supernatural;fantasy;magic and mysticism;second century ad;man transformed;ancient world;oldest surviving novel;magic potion;tales of love;intrigue;witchcraft;boccaccio;cervantes;rabelais