A Companion to Petronius

'Courtney has made a number of discoveries that future studies will find tremendously useful. His observations on those Satyrica passages where Homer's Odyssey shines through deserve particular mention.' -Journal of Roman StudiesEdward Courtney presents an overall interpretation of Petronius' Satyricon, beginning with basic background information, then surveying each episode in order that leading themes emerge. Finally he gives an overview of Petronius' use of literary allusion and symbolism, and of his treatment of sex. All Latin and Greek has been translated in a way which is sympathetic to the original.