Petronius's picaresque novel (probably written during Nero's reign) presents in lurid detail the disreputable travels and adventures of Encolpius, a swashbuckling young coward lacking both morals and income. It has been called a kaleidoscope picture of literature, lust, and life. Perhaps best known are the chapters describing Trimalchio's wildly extravagant dinner party with rambunctious entertainment. For the revised edition, Warmington debowdlerized...