This is the first modern commentary on the Satyricon as a whole. Starting with some basic background information, Professor Courtney surveys Petronius' novel sequentially, drawing out the leading themes and motifs of each episode. Thus links and patterns build up. A final chapter looks at the general characteristics of the work, highlighting the abundant use of literary allusion and symbolism, and the treatment of sex. Throughout the book Petronius' work is related to the Greek novel as reconstruction from the later extant specimens suggests that it existed in his own day. Latin and Greek quotations have been translated so that students of classical civilization and of comparative literature can benefit from this book as well as those of Latin literature and classics.

About the Author
Gildersleeve Professor of Classics, University of Virginia

Reviews
Edward Courtney's A Companion to Petronius fills a significant niche in Petronian studies, offering a concise, readable introduction to the Satyricon which covers major critical issues such as the identity of the author, genre, parody, first-person narrative, symbolism, and the combination of prose and verse, together with a sequential, commentary-style description and discussion of the entire text ... It will be a valuable study and teaching aid. * Hermathena: A Trinity College Dublin Review *
The writer of this book is a distinguished Latinist ... no-one interested in Petronius could fail to be stimulated by the rich ore buried in these dense seams. * JACT Review *
A work which exhibits characteristic clarity. * Greece & Rome *
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 Studies *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199245949
Author Edward Courtney
Format Paperback
Page Count 250
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 327g
Dimensions(mm) 217mm * 139mm * 14mm