# The Whole Book of the Love Scripture

Author: Ovid [Ancient Rome]
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: This is a humorous educational poem with very erotic diction and content, but it demonstrates the author's profound knowledge and fine psychological insight on this subject. —German historian Duffler The Art of Love may be the most immoral poem ever written, but it is not obscene. —British Maccail Metamorphoses and The Art of Love are both highly imaginative masterpieces with significant influence in the world. His talent for using rhythm and diction has reached its peak, and his vivid and meticulous observation is unparalleled. —British Roman literature historian Weinhold Ovid's works are perfectly suited to the tone and pursuit of the pleasure-seeking crowd, suitable for those who seem to never know what seriousness is, or what pain and sorrow are. —British poet Matthew Arnold In The Art of Love, everything is bright, as if bathed in sunlight, giving a sense of beauty. At the same time, it is charmingly shallow, exquisitely refined, irresistibly alluring, and utterly false. If a note of sorrow accidentally mixes with the sound of the lyre and the pomegranate, at most it is a warning to some beautiful women: Do not be stingy with those who adore you, for time waits for no one, and ruthless years will mercilessly steal the rose-like blush from their cheeks, while hateful white hair will silently creep over their proud heads. —Lewis May In The Art of Love, Ovid feigns to be commissioned by the god of love and his mother, separately instructing men and women in the art of love. The first book is for men, teaching them where to find the women they desire and how to approach and please them; the second book guides men on how to maintain a love relationship with the women they love; the third book is a classroom for women, instructing them on how to please men and how to make love last. The Love Elixir is a prescription for those who have failed in love, offering advice on hunting, farming, abstaining from alcohol, traveling, and avoiding reading love letters, so that the disappointed can alleviate their inner frustrations and sorrows. Beauty explores the art of women's adornment, but unfortunately it was left unfinished. Love Songs celebrates the poet's love for a woman named Cornelia, serving as a concrete practice of Ovid's art of love. The poet envisions various scenarios, vividly expressing his psychological changes: joy or anger, elation or dejection, pleading or longing, regret or self-blame, jealousy of rivals, pride, flirting, or being deeply in love. In the poet's view, love is both a sacred emotion and a beautiful art, a divine game that makes one lose one's senses. Together, these four works can be considered Ovid's Complete Art of Love. Along with India's Kama Sutra, China's The Book of the Plain Woman and The Method of Harmonizing Yin and Yang, it is known as a classic of world cultural heritage.