Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

THE SATYRICON OF
Gaius Petronius, Arbiter to Nero

Petronius' bawdy masterpiece is considered by some to be an early form of the novel. Petronius had the notable job of advising Roman emperor Nero on style and fashion. After an unfortunate falling-out with Nero, Petronius was forced to commit suicide. Belated revenge came in the form of his will, which when read aloud in the Roman Forum, viciously mocked the mostly-mad emperor.

"The Satyricon" is a "satire," intended to provoke laughter as well as disgust or censure. It has given our modern society much of the picture it has of Roman life beyond ancient monuments and Imperial inscriptions. A thinly-veiled exaggeration of reality, "The Satyricon" makes the days of doomed Herculaneum and Pompeii real -- and paints unforgettable pictures of Roman excess, including Trimalchio's famous feast.

As long as life remains, there's hope;
Thou rustic God, oh hear our prayer,
Great Priapus, I thee invoke,
Temper our arms to dare

Bawdy and sublime, coarse and elegant, decadent to the core and yet permeated with a peculiarly innocent ancient mindset, The Satyricon by Gaius Petronius, Arbiter Elegantiae of the court of Nero, is a controversial work of Roman fiction.

Each one will find what suits his taste, one thing is not for all,
One gathers roses as his share, another thorns enthrall.

The Satyricon is a combination of prose and poetry, aphorisms and erotica. Only a few fragments remain of the grandiose original. Over the centuries a number of skillful forgeries were created to fill in the gaps, in an attempt to elucidate and sometimes surpass the sensual pleasures of the original.

For who knows not the pleasures Venus gives?
Who will not in a warm bed tease his members?
Great Epicurus taught a truth that lives;
Love and enjoy life All the rest is embers.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.