Ovid was a celebrated Roman poet known for his mythological narrative poetry. His famous work, Metamorphoses, remains a cornerstone of classical literature, and his playful poem The Art of Love continues to charm readers worldwide.
If you enjoy reading books by Ovid then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoyed Ovid, Virgil is a writer you'll want to explore next. His poetry has a graceful style and beautiful storytelling. A notable work is The Aeneid, an epic poem following the Trojan hero Aeneas as he tries to fulfill his destiny and found Rome.
Virgil explores deep themes like duty, heroism, and the complex ways fate shapes our lives.
Horace is an ideal next author for readers who appreciate Ovid's wit and charm. He writes clever, lively poetry with wisdom and humor. His Odes capture the joy and depth of everyday life.
Horace thoughtfully explores themes of friendship, love, politics, and philosophy, often with a knowing smile.
Catullus offers readers short poems full of intense personal feeling. If you liked Ovid's romantic and sometimes playful poetry, you'll find Catullus appealing too. In his collection, Carmina, he skillfully mixes heartfelt passion, biting satire, and witty observation.
Love, friendship, irony, and emotional honesty are key themes in his poetry.
Propertius will appeal to readers who admired Ovid's passionate, romantic verses. His poetry focuses on the complexities and emotions that love brings. In his powerful collection Elegies, Propertius writes intimately about his love life and personal experiences.
His poetry explores desire, devotion, loss, and emotional vulnerability.
Tibullus writes romantic elegies filled with tenderness and emotional sincerity. His poetry is perfect for readers who enjoy Ovid's lyrical beauty. In his book Elegies, Tibullus gently reflects on love, longing, nature, and the comforts of a quiet and simple life.
His calm and sensitive style creates poems that are thoughtful and deeply human.
Lucretius was a Roman poet and philosopher whose work explores philosophy and science through poetry. His style is thoughtful and clear, often focused on nature and human life. His best-known poem is De Rerum Natura, or "On the Nature of Things."
In it, he explains Epicurean ideas about the universe, human existence, and happiness in a beautiful, poetic way.
Martial is best known for his short, sharp, and witty epigrams. His writing humorously critiques everyday Roman life, skewering hypocrisy and human weakness with playful cynicism.
Readers enjoy how accessible and funny his epigrams are, with an economy of words that still hits the mark. One of his most famous works is Epigrams, a collection of short poems filled with sharp observations and satire.
Juvenal was a Roman poet famous for his biting satire. His style is bold, angry, and unapologetic, and he aggressively criticizes the moral failings, excesses, and corruption in Roman society.
Readers who appreciate blunt social commentary wrapped in dark humor will find plenty to enjoy in Juvenal's writing. His major work is the Satires, a set of poems that confront everything wrong with Roman society head-on.
Statius was a Roman poet who wrote grand epic poetry, rich in vivid imagery and emotional drama. His style combines elegant language and strong storytelling that captures readers' imaginations and draws them into heroic worlds of myth and legend.
One of his key works is the Thebaid, an epic poem recounting the dramatic rivalry between the sons of Oedipus and the tragic siege of Thebes.
Apuleius is a Roman novelist and philosopher whose storytelling is imaginative, entertaining, and inventive. His narratives often blend fantasy, humor, and elements of philosophy, exploring both human passions and misadventures.
Readers are captivated by his playful and engaging prose. A notable work by Apuleius is The Golden Ass (Metamorphoses), a tale that follows a character who accidentally transforms into a donkey, leading to a series of strange adventures and insights into human nature.
If you like Ovid's thoughtful exploration of human emotions and morality, Seneca the Younger might appeal to you. His style is clear and direct, often exploring complex ideas about the human condition and ethics through drama and philosophy.
His tragedy, Medea, shows his dramatic talent and explores themes like revenge, passion, and conflict.
For readers who appreciate Ovid's elegance and careful crafting of verse, Callimachus offers a similar experience. He writes concise, polished poetry that emphasizes careful detail rather than lengthy epics.
In the poem Aetia, Callimachus presents intriguing myths and origin stories with wit and sophistication.
If you enjoy the playful side of Ovid's storytelling and his depiction of everyday life, you might find similar charm in Theocritus's pastoral poetry. His work captures countryside scenes and conversations in a natural, engaging style.
In his collection Idylls, rural themes like love, nature, and friendship are explored with humor and sensitivity.
Fans of Ovid's mythological tales might also enjoy Hesiod, whose poetry often revolves around myths, gods, and practical wisdom. His style is direct and informative, providing insight into Greek mythology, agriculture, and morality.
Check out his Works and Days, which blends advice on daily life with mythological tales and moral lessons.
Readers who appreciate the grand storytelling and vibrant scenes of Ovid may also value Homer's epic narratives. Homer offers sweeping tales filled with heroism, drama, and adventure.
In his epic The Odyssey, Homer spins an imaginative story of Odysseus's travels, carefully balancing human drama and mythological fantasy in a vivid, engaging style.