'Hughes is as broad as Ovid and as subtle, as violent and as erotic, as elegant and as folksy - and often all at the same time. It is simply a beautiful match.Tales from Ovid is.the greatest poem of Classical inspiration probably since the Cantos. It will live as one of the great works of our century.'

Michael Hofmann, The Times 'We can feel fortunate to have at our disposal these pungent, dynamic, distinctively northern versions of the Mediterranean epic, which should entice new readers to the ancient stories.'

Sean O'Brien, Times Literary Supplement