This is the first modern commentary on the Satyricon as a whole. Starting with some basic background information, Professor Courtney surveys Petronius' novel sequentially, drawing out the leading themes and motifs of each episode. Thus links and patterns build up. A final chapter looks at the general characteristics of the work, highlighting the abundant use of literary allusion and symbolism, and the treatment of sex.

Throughout the book Petronius' work is related to the Greek novel as reconstruction from the later extant specimens suggests that it existed in his own day. Latin and Greek quotations have been translated so that students of classical civilization and of comparative literature can benefit from this book as well as those of Latin literature and classics.