Golden Ass of Apuleius

Today there is much discussion of the liberation of women writes Marie-Louise von Franz but it is sometimes overlooked that this can only succeed if there is a change in men as well. Just as women have to overcome the patriarchal tyrant in their own souls men have to liberate and differentiate their inner femininity. Only then will a better relationship of the sexes be possible. It is this timely theme that Dr. von Franz explores in her psychological study of a classic work of the second century The Golden Ass by Apuleius of Madaura. The novel recounts the adventures of a young Roman who is transformed into an ass and eventually finds spiritual renewal through initiation into the Isis mysteries. With its many tales within a tale (including the celebrated story of Psyche and Eros) the text as interpreted by Dr. von Franz is a rich source of insights anecdotes and scholarly amplification.