The Satires of Juvenal, Persius, Sulpicia, and Lucilius Literally translated into English prose, with notes, chronological tables, arguments, &c.

This volume gathers the biting Roman satires of Juvenal and Persius alongside the rare verses of Sulpicia and the fragmentary wit of Lucilius. Listeners are treated to vivid, unflinching portraits of imperial excess, moral decay, and everyday absurdities that still echo in modern life. The prose translations aim to preserve the sharp humor while making the ancient language clear for contemporary ears.

The translator has crafted an entirely new English rendering, steering between literal fidelity and lively readability, and supplements each piece with thoughtful notes that illuminate historical references, linguistic quirks, and literary allusions. Chronological tables and concise arguments help place each satire within its proper historical context, turning the experience into both an enjoyable listen and a mini‑lecture on Roman culture. An added poetic version of Juvenal and Persius offers a taste of the original meter for those who appreciate the musicality of Latin verse.

Finally, the collection includes Sulpicia’s brief but passionate poems and Lucilius’s fragmentary jokes, presented here for the first time in English. These pieces broaden the portrait of Roman satire, showcasing voices from both male and female perspectives. The result is a richly layered listening experience that brings the ancient streets of Rome to life.