Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus appears as the main character of the book, traveling the ancient world with
Plato and
Aristotle's young pupil
Alexander the Great, sometimes with Aristotle himself. Together, they wander into various major Greek myths (e.g.
the kidnapping of Persephone by Hades), and discuss the philosophical questions raised, with a great deal of slapstick humor. The book mixes history, mythology, and humor to relate the teachings of Epicurus. The narrative tends to
anachronistically show other vaguely contemporary writers and thinkers, such as
Aesop (who died two centuries before the historical Epicurus was even born), as backwards, foolish, fascistic, or all three, while the philosophy of Epicurus is portrayed to be more tolerant and humanistic; it is pointed out more than once that Epicurus is one of the only ancient philosophers who would teach women. Various notable personages, from both history and mythology (e.g.
Alcibiades and
Zeus), appear as secondary characters. ==Issues and reprints==