The Metamorphoses is a narrative poem by Ovid and it is considered his magnum opus. Comprising fifteen books and over 250 myths, the poem chronicles the history of the world from its creation to the deification of Julius Caesar within a loose mythico-historical framework. It has become one of the most influential works in Western culture and has inspired such authors as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dante and Boccaccio. Although Ovid's reputation faded after the Renaissance, towards the end of the twentieth century there was a resurgence of interest in his work; today, the Metamorphoses continues to inspire and be retold through various media.