The Golden Ass

The Golden Ass refers to The Metamorphoses, a picaresque novel by the Roman author Apuleius written in the 2nd century AD. It's the only surviving Ancient Roman novel to be complete and is known for its blend of satire, fantasy, and philosophical themes.

The story centers around Lucius, a young man fascinated by magic. His curiosity leads him to experiment with a transformation spell, but it backfires, turning him into a donkey. In this form, Lucius travels throughout the Roman Empire, encountering a variety of characters and situations that are both humorous and dark.

The Golden Ass has endured as a classic of Latin literature. It's significant for its unique narrative style, its insights into ancient Roman society, and its exploration of human nature.