"The Garden of Priapus was the first, and still is the best full-scale study of sexual language and humor in Roman poetry. Fully alert both to the linguistic and literary nuance of the poetry and to the social and psychological attitudes of its audience, Richlin gives us a penetrating and provocative view of an important but neglected aspect of Roman antiquity. This new edition is a most welcome event for anyone interested in Latin literature and themodes of its engagement with the Roman world."--Jeffrey Henderson, Boston University"A comprehensive, frank, and bold analysis.Abundant insights from today''s social sciences, together with references to numerous modern sex ''types'' and studies on sexuality and verbal obscenity, support Richlin''s observation and.underlie her concern.that in our own society and in antiquity sexual humor may ''serve not only to reinforce, but possibly to exacerbate aggressive tendencies.''"--Choice"The author''s command of the primary texts and relevant scholarly literature is evident throughout.

The book is well crafted and reveals aspects of Roman literature that had until recently been considered inappropriate for wide dissemination and discussion. For many it can add a new dimension to their understanding and teaching of Roman literature and civilization."--Gerald Erickson, University of Minnesota"By insisting on the prescriptive function of obscene and aggressive humor in Latin literature, by observing its close connection to basic social structures and its links with other modes of discourse, both subliterary and elevated, Richlin has achieved a major methodological breakthrough."--Marilyn Skinner, University of Arizona"Important study.The book remains a major treatment of Roman sexuality and of Roman society more broadly. Richlin presents admirably a vital aspect of an imperial, cosmopolitan, and highly influential culture.Beautifully typeset Greek and latin quotations. Richlin''s writing is virtuosic and vigorous: worthy of her often mind-boggling material.

"--Journal of the History of Sexuality"The Garden of Priapus was the first, and still is the best full-scale study of sexual language and humor in Roman poetry. Fully alert both to the linguistic and literary nuance of the poetry and to the social and psychological attitudes of its audience, Richlin gives us a penetrating and provocative view of an important but neglected aspect of Roman antiquity. This new edition is a most welcome event for anyone interested in Latin literature and themodes of its engagement with the Roman world."--Jeffrey Henderson, Boston University"A comprehensive, frank, and bold analysis.Abundant insights from today''s social sciences, together with references to numerous modern sex ''types'' and studies on sexuality and verbal obscenity, support Richlin''s observation and.underlie her concern.that in our own society and in antiquity sexual humor may ''serve not only to reinforce, but possibly to exacerbate aggressive tendencies.''"--Choice"The author''s command of the primary texts and relevant scholarly literature is evident throughout.

The book is well crafted and reveals aspects of Roman literature that had until recently been considered inappropriate for wide dissemination and discussion. For many it can add a new dimension to their understanding and teaching of Roman literature and civilization."--Gerald Erickson, University of Minnesota"By insisting on the prescriptive function of obscene and aggressive humor in Latin literature, by observing its close connection to basic social structures and its links with other modes of discourse, both subliterary and elevated, Richlin has achieved a major methodological breakthrough."--Marilyn Skinner, University of Arizona"Important study.The book remains a major treatment of Roman sexuality and of Roman society more broadly. Richlin presents admirably a vital aspect of an imperial, cosmopolitan, and highly influential culture.Beautifully typeset Greek and latin quotations. Richlin''s writing is virtuosic and vigorous: worthy of her often mind-boggling material.

"--Journal of the History of Sexuality.