Apuleius, Lucius << `ap` yuh LEE uhs, LOO shuhs >> (A.D. 125?-170?), wrote the only completely preserved novel in ancient Latin, Metamorphoses , also called The Golden Ass. This 11-part work is written in an elaborate, flowery style. It describes the adventures of a young man named Lucius who is accidentally turned into a donkey. He wanders about, observing how silly and cruel people can be. Lucius eventually is restored to human form by the Egyptian goddess Isis. The novel includes several short stories, of which the most famous is the tale of Cupid and Psyche (see Psyche ).
Apuleius was born in northern Africa. His other surviving writings deal with magic, oratory, and philosophy.
