The Satyricon by Petronius Arbiter, Fiction, Classics

THE SATYRICON OFGaius 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 ...