SOURCE: "The Satiricon of Petronius," in Some Ancient Novels: 'Leucieppe'; 'Daphnis and Chloe'; 'The Satiricon'; 'The Golden Ass,' Books for Libraries Press, 1968, pp. 65-101.

In the following essay, first published in 1940, Todd provides an overview of the Satyricon, including a consideration of its possible models, and a detailed synopsis of the Trimalchio's Dinner section.

From Achilles Tatius and Longus we pass to Petronius and Apuleius, and find that in the novel, if in little else, the Romans not only equalled but even excelled the Greeks. In discussing the Leucippe and Clitophon and the Daphnis and Chloe it was necessary, at times, to exchange the part of expositor and critic for that of apologist; but the Satiricon and the Golden Ass, considered as works of art, need no defence.

In the Daphnis and Chloe we encountered the sole example, in antiquity, of a union of the romance with...