“We must complete the mysteries, to recover you of your impotency.”

With that, he pounded the nettle seed carefully.

And then, he proceeded to insert it little by little up my anus.

This rather strange and perhaps uncomfortable scene leaves one with a sense of unease.

Now, let's talk about a different kind of oddity - the drinking game.

Every time an indie author asks you to read their debut novel, instead of simply agreeing, you are supposed to read the Satyricon over three bottles of wine.

It's a rather unconventional and perhaps even humorous way to deal with the requests from indie authors.

One can only imagine the interesting experiences and conversations that might arise from following this drinking game.

Whether it's a way to add some excitement to the reading process or just a strange quirk, it definitely makes for an unforgettable story.

One of the few Latin texts that we translated with enthusiasm, although we were warned not to, in (catholic) high school.

It was a remarkable experience for me and everyone in the class. We found a certain charm in the ancient language that compelled us to engage with it wholeheartedly.

The warnings seemed to fade away as we delved deeper into the text, uncovering its hidden meanings and beauty.

The process of translation became a journey of discovery, and we eagerly embraced every challenge it presented.

The Latin text became a source of inspiration and excitement, igniting a passion for language and learning within us.

We loved it not only for its historical significance but also for the way it made us think and expand our intellectual horizons.

It was a memorable part of our high school education, and one that we will always cherish.

Even now, when we look back on that time, we can still feel the enthusiasm that we had for that Latin text.

It was truly a special moment in our lives.

It's truly amazing how enduring the common tropes of physical comedy are.

Take, for example, the classic scene of someone hiding under a bed until they are betrayed by a sneeze. This simple yet effective gag has been used in countless comedies throughout the years and still manages to elicit laughter from audiences.

The idea of a person trying to remain hidden, only to be given away by an involuntary bodily function, is both relatable and hilarious. It plays on our natural instincts to avoid being discovered and our sense of the absurd.

Physical comedy tropes like this have stood the test of time because they are universal. They don't rely on language or cultural references, but rather on basic human experiences and emotions. Whether we're watching a silent film from the 1920s or a modern-day sitcom, we can all appreciate the humor in a well-executed physical comedy bit.

In conclusion, the enduring popularity of physical comedy tropes is a testament to their timeless appeal. They continue to make us laugh and remind us that sometimes, the simplest things in life can be the funniest.

Arrowsmith

is a work that, quite often, is essentially indistinguishable from fragmented surrealist porn. In fact, about 75% of the time, this is the case. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. In the realm of art and literature, there are many different styles and forms that can be explored. Fragmented surrealist porn, as strange as it may sound, can offer a unique and captivating experience. It challenges our perceptions and forces us to think outside the box. Arrowsmith

seems to embrace this style, perhaps using it as a means to convey deeper emotions or ideas. While some may be put off by its similarity to pornographic material, others may find it to be a refreshing and innovative approach. After all, art is subjective, and what one person may consider pornographic, another may see as a work of genius.

I vividly remember reading this particular piece out of sheer curiosity when I was approximately 16 years old.

What truly astonished me was not only the remarkable intelligence of the writer but also the distinct characters of the people the hero encountered throughout the book.

Certainly, it wasn't my very first encounter with the Roman classics, yet it was the one that opened my eyes wide to the profound fact that civilization and society do not progress along a neatly straight and continuously "rising" vector.

It made me realize that the path of development is often filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours.

The complex web of human interactions and the various forces at play shape the course of civilization in ways that are far more intricate than we might initially assume.

This realization had a profound impact on my perception of history and society, and it continues to influence my understanding to this day.

It is, of course, a pity that this book by Petronius, a Roman who lived during the time of Emperor Nero, has been handed down so fragmentarily.

However, the smoothly readable pieces (from which little is missing) are witty, full of references, and form a beautiful satire on the morals of that time.

This is, therefore, quite an interesting historical document (fiction, by the way) with literary qualities.

Petronius was a remarkable figure in Roman literature. His work provides us with a unique glimpse into the society and values of the era.

Although only parts of his book have survived, those that remain are enough to showcase his talent and the significance of his writing.

The fragments offer valuable insights into the daily life, customs, and vices of the people during Nero's reign.

They also demonstrate Petronius' ability to use humor and satire to criticize and comment on the society around him.

Overall, despite its incomplete state, Petronius' book is a fascinating and important work that continues to be studied and appreciated by scholars and literature enthusiasts alike.

Petronius is often regarded as the Charles Bukowski of Imperial Roman literature.

He delved into the lives of the underdog class, exploring their drinking, cheating, and other aspects of their existence. With a wisely satirical eye, he observed the culture around him, employing a sophisticated and spontaneous wit and sarcasm.

What remains of his text from antiquity is unfortunately not sufficient for a comprehensive judgment. However, the fragments we do have are worthy of study as they offer a unique perspective on Roman life during the Age of Nero.

The standout moment is undoubtedly the fantastic dinner party hosted by Trimalchio, a freed slave who amassed a fortune in shipping. He puts on a truly disgusting and amazing display of wealth for his gossiping guests. Petronius's satire is so effective in this character that even non-Romans can understand the behavior being satirized.

Other entertaining and accessible sections include a tale of lust and seduction in Pergamum and a story about a grieving widow of Ephesus and her changeable affections. These little tales capture Petronius's spirit and style in miniature. They are witty, bawdy, and reflect a world of amoral pleasure and exquisite leisure.

The Satyricon provides a satisfying alternative to the straight-laced and prim Roman ideals of power and order. It is a celebration of life and pleasure, offering a rich and vibrant portrayal of a bygone era.

What truly pushed me to read this book is a passage from Huysmans' "A Rebours". I quote these few lines because in very few cases have I had the curiosity to explore a topic so deeply that was treated during Latin literature lessons. It is impossible not to be fascinated by the plot (or what is left of it, which is still sufficient for us to understand and appreciate the work) or by the character of Petronius, a dandy of the Neronian era, an intellectual outside the lines and slovenly.

"The author he truly loved... was Petronius. He was a perceptive observer, a delicate analyst, a wonderful painter; calmly, without taking sides, without hatred, he described the daily life of Rome, told in the lively chapters of the Satyricon the customs of his era [...] he analyzes with calm finesse the joys and sorrows of these loves and these couples, paints in a splendidly crafted language, without the author showing himself even once, without abandoning himself to any comment, without approving or cursing the acts and thoughts of his characters, the vices of a decrepit civilization, of a crumbling empire, fascinated Des Esseintes."

You could publish this today and people would eat it up.

This statement holds a certain truth. In today's fast-paced and information-hungry world, people are constantly on the lookout for new and interesting content. If you have something unique, engaging, and valuable to offer, it has the potential to attract a large audience.

Whether it's a captivating article, a thought-provoking blog post, or an entertaining video, the right piece of content can quickly gain popularity and go viral. People are eager to consume content that entertains them, educates them, or provides them with a new perspective.

However, simply publishing something is not enough. You also need to ensure that it is well-written, well-produced, and targeted at the right audience. By understanding the needs and interests of your potential readers or viewers, you can create content that truly resonates with them and keeps them coming back for more.

I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd expected.

I have a deep love for Roman history, and let's face it, who doesn't find the seedy side of history even more fascinating?

However, this particular work was only interesting in a very basic sense.

I constantly had to remind myself that it was written in the first century AD and was intended to entertain the lower classes.

To be honest, I thought it was a bit boring.

All the back and forth about who gets the "brother" Giton was often repetitive and poorly executed.

I had hoped for so much more from this.

I was disappointed that it didn't live up to my expectations, especially considering my enthusiasm for Roman history and the potential of exploring its more scandalous aspects.

Perhaps if it had been presented in a more engaging and less repetitive manner, I would have had a different opinion.

As it stands, I can't say that I would recommend it to others with the same passion for Roman history as I have.

It is a pleasure to read these books, clearly beloved by their authors and their creators. Of course, this says nothing about the content, but I cannot help but admire the design of this book - both the pages that are so pleasant to the touch (and the eyes!), and the ochre details that repeat throughout the book. The color, the illustrations, and the ornaments, in my opinion, suit this work very well.

Well, and the content is interesting; I imagine that living in that romantic society, reading would be even more interesting - still, the actualities of those times are described and ridiculed, which are not so easy to understand nowadays. It is a kind of romantic "Stay there" literary form. It is a pity that so little of this work has survived - neither the beginning nor the end, only some fragments.

"If I calculate all the possibilities correctly - the shipwreck awaits us everywhere."

Any help with translation/edition selection for Petronius will be most welcome. The more notes and apparatus, the better. The preference for translation is that stilted style which leaves the Latin flavor intact. Latest scholarship is also always a must. Is it too much to ask for a bi-lingual?

There are several possibilities to consider. P. G. Walsh's edition from Oxford University Press in 1996/2009 is one option. The link to it on Amazon is http://www.amazon.com/The-Satyricon-O.... I have the 1996 edition, but I don't know how the 2009 updates are.

Sarah Ruden's translation from Hackett in 2000 is another possibility. The Amazon link is http://www.amazon.com/Satyricon-Petro.... I might still be on the lookout for this one.

J.P. Sullivan & Helen Morales' edition from Penguin in 1965/2012 is also worth considering. The Amazon link is http://www.amazon.com/The-Satyricon-P.... This is the one I read, with the revisions of 1986. I would think to prefer the 2012 edition, which probably has some improvements regarding details and such.

Each of these editions has its own merits, and further research and comparison may be needed to determine the most suitable one for your specific needs.