In The Mask of the Parasite Cynthia Damon brings unique insight to the study of patronage in ancient Rome, with particular emphasis on the friction that developed in the operation of the patronage system in Roman society. The Mask of the Parasite is a fascinating study of the intersection of literature and society in ancient Rome. However, neither the parasite nor patronage is confined to the Roman world. Students of classical studies as well as students of literature and cultural studies will find this to be a work of utmost importance in understanding these complex issues of human interaction.