The Golden Asse

Product Description: The Golden Asse, also widely known as Metamorphoses, is the only complete surviving novel from ancient Latin literature, written by Lucius Apuleius. This timeless work follows the curious young Lucius, whose reckless fascination with magic leads to a disastrous transformation: he is turned into an ass. In the form of a donkey, Lucius wanders through the Roman world, witnessing a whirlwind of thieves, tricksters, strange rituals, romantic tales and legendary adventures. Nestled within its pages sits the famous and haunting Cupid and Psyche myth, one of the most beloved fairy tales of Western antiquity.

This elegant hardcover edition features atmospheric illustrations crafted by Jean de Bosschere, whose distinctive, stylised artwork perfectly matches the story’s mix of whimsy, wonder, sensuality and uncanny magic. The cover adopts a deep burgundy red base paired with refined golden line art of the ass’s head, with the title, author and illustrator information presented in striking gold lettering. The spine is printed consistently for neat, classic shelf presentation.

The text is carefully laid out for comfortable reading, printed on high-quality opaque paper. It preserves Apuleius’s rich, playful prose and the full narrative sequence, supported by de Bosschere’s iconic illustrations that capture the exotic, dreamlike tone of this ancient story.

Essential reading for students of classics, mythology enthusiasts and collectors of antique literature, this edition makes a distinguished addition to any classic library. It is also a thoughtful gift for readers who enjoy ancient myths, early novels and vintage illustrated literary works.

Main Features: ✅ Written by Lucius Apuleius, the complete text of The Golden Asse (Metamorphoses) ✅ Illustrated by Jean de Bosschere, celebrated artist for classic literature ✅ Premium hardcover binding with burgundy cover and elegant gold graphic & lettering ✅ Contains the famous Cupid and Psyche myth ✅ The only fully preserved ancient Latin novel ✅ High-quality paper with clean, readable typesetting ✅ Ideal for classics scholars, mythology lovers and book collectors ✅ Stylish timeless edition for home library display and literary gifting