{"product_id":"the-golden-ass-by-apuleius","title":"The Golden Ass by Apuleius","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Golden Ass\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e by \u003cb\u003eApuleius\u003c\/b\u003e, also known as \u003ci\u003eMetamorphoses\u003c\/i\u003e, is a Latin novel from the 2nd century AD and is the only ancient Roman novel to survive in its entirety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe story follows \u003cb\u003eLucius\u003c\/b\u003e, a curious and impulsive young man who becomes obsessed with magic. While experimenting with witchcraft, he accidentally transforms himself into a \u003cb\u003edonkey\u003c\/b\u003e instead of a bird. As a donkey, Lucius endures a long series of misadventures, including beatings, forced labor, and abuse by various masters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThroughout his journey, Lucius witnesses the corruption and cruelty of human society. Eventually, he regains his human form through the \u003cb\u003eintervention of the goddess Isis\u003c\/b\u003e, who demands his devotion. The novel ends with Lucius becoming a devout follower of Isis, symbolizing his spiritual rebirth and enlightenment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe work blends \u003cb\u003ecomedy, adventure, satire, and mysticism\u003c\/b\u003e, and offers a vivid picture of Roman provincial life as well as themes of transformation and redemption.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lushena","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":51653175378200,"sku":null,"price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":51653175410968,"sku":null,"price":43.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0787\/8203\/8296\/files\/BookMockup1_24902aa2-851a-46e5-ae05-b0e18f1e04d8.jpg?v=1770544357","url":"https:\/\/lushenabooksinc.com\/products\/the-golden-ass-by-apuleius","provider":"Lushena","version":"1.0","type":"link"}