キューピッドとプシケー

by Walter Pater, Errol Le Cain (Illustrator), エロール・ル・カイン

The classical story of Cupid and Psyche, as presented in Walter Pater's novel, Marius the Epicurean.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Picture Books, Mythology, Art

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

People know British writer Walter Horatio Pater for his volumes of aesthetic criticism, including Appreciations (1889).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_...

Reviews

[Marquise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The redeeming quality of this adaptation of the Cupid & Psyche myth from Apuleius is the art by Errol Le Cain, one of the best for this myth I've seen and totally worth buying the book for, because the story is rather overwrought and made silly by the writing. So, five-star artwork but a mediocre adaptation make for a three-star average.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This presentation of the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche, beautifully-produced though it is, is less of a picture book than it is an illustrated adult text. Walter Pater, a nineteenth-century English essayist and art critic, originally published this selection as part of his philosophical novel, Marius the Epicurean , in much the same way that the original Cupid and Psyche was contained in Apuleius's 2nd century novel, The Golden Ass .

I found the language irritating in its artifice, as if Pater was attempting an "antique" style in his writing. The prose is so purple that the modern reader may become disgusted, as with this passage: "Venus, in the furiousness of her anger, tracks thy footsteps through the world, seeking for thee to pay her the utmost penalty; and thou, thinking of anything rather than thine own safety, hast taken on thee the care of what belongs to me!"

The reader would be well-advised not to look to Pater's version if they want an enjoyable and readable adaptation of this classic myth. The brilliant illustrations by Errol le Cain however, are definitely worth an examination - they are so delightful, that I awarded this book three stars, despite its unappealing text. These black and white, art-deco style pictures remind me somewhat of Kay Nielsen, and that is praise indeed! One wishes that some of le Cain's work was still available...

[Carfig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just bought this yesterday in a used book shop called Chop Suey in downtown Richmond. Beautiful illustrations, and wonderfully told tale of envy and love. Venus is not happy when she is replaced by Psyche as the figure of adoration. Psyche is just a mortal, after all, and not worthy. She sends her son, Cupid, to make it so Psyche should suffer a loveless fate. Fortunately, Psyche is helped along her path by other gods and finally finds happiness.

[Carolynn Olmstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A splendid tale of love, beauty, jealousy, and suspense.
I loved this short book! I love all things mythology, and this book was just what I wanted it to be. I enjoyed how this book demonstrated how being beautiful isn't always a good thing. It also had a lovely moral of never giving up hope for the ones you love. I would say that this is a definite must-read for fellow mythology and romance fans.

[Psyche Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time i've heard the story by my prof in world literature, I was really awed and fell in love instantly.