The Satyricon — Volume 01: Introduction

The Satyricon is a dazzling fragment of Roman literature, traditionally linked to the courtly sophisticate who served Nero. Its pages burst with bawdy humor, vivid descriptions of lavish banquets, and sharp commentary on the excesses of a decadent society. Though only a portion survives, the surviving scenes give a lively portrait of a world where wit, desire, and absurdity collide.

This unexpurgated translation, drawn from the most complete manuscripts and even the disputed Nodot and Marchena additions, strives to capture the original’s street‑level slang and glittering satire. The translator’s notes reveal the delicate balancing act of rendering ancient jokes into language that still feels fresh and irreverent. Listeners will be drawn into the chaotic journeys of Trimalchio’s guests and the colorful cast of characters, experiencing the humor and humanity that have kept the work fresh for millennia.