Readers and Writers in Ovid's Heroides [Hardcover]

This is the first book-length study to reconstruct the experiences of the abandoned heroines of theHeroides, which have been largely ignored by past criticism. Bringing together a broad range of ancient and modern critical thought, Dr. Spentzou isolates the voices of landmark female figures of the classical myth, releasing them from Ovid's male text.

Synposes of the Myths
1. Getting Down to Essentials?
2. Reading Characters Read: On Methodology
3. Landscapes of Lost Innocence
4. The Heroines in theChoraof Writing
5. Postcards Home: TheHeroidesas Letters
6. A Splintery Frame: TheHeroidesas Short Stories
Postscript: Writing on the Edge

This is a fine book which contributes to a greater literary appreciation of theHeroidesin the context of gender.... Exploring new territory as it does, this book provides insight and material for spirited discussion. --The Classical Outlook

In this rich and challenging book, Efrossini Spentzou has provided a valuable and nuanced contribution to the growing body of scholarship on Ovid's elegiac-epistolary heroines.... The production quality is excellent.... This book has much to offer and is a most welcome and intelligent addition toHeroidesscholarship. --Classical World

Efrossini Spentzou is Lecturer in Classics, Royal Holloway, University of London