Atomic atheism in verse. Lucretius (Titus Lucretius Carus) lived ca. 99-ca. 55 BC, but the details of his career are unknown. He is the author of the great didactic poem in hexameters, De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things). In six books compounded of solid reasoning, brilliant imagination, and noble poetry, he expounds the scientific theories of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, with the aim of dispelling fear of the gods and fear of death and so enabling man to attain peace of mind and happiness. In Book 1 he ...
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Atomic atheism in verse. Lucretius (Titus Lucretius Carus) lived ca. 99-ca. 55 BC, but the details of his career are unknown. He is the author of the great didactic poem in hexameters, De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things). In six books compounded of solid reasoning, brilliant imagination, and noble poetry, he expounds the scientific theories of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, with the aim of dispelling fear of the gods and fear of death and so enabling man to attain peace of mind and happiness. In Book 1 he establishes the general principles of the atomic system, refutes the views of rival physicists, and proves the infinity of the universe and of its two ultimate constituents, matter and void. In Book 2 he explains atomic movement, the variety of atomic shapes, and argues that the atoms lack color, sensation, and other secondary qualities. In Book 3 he expounds the nature and composition of mind and spirit, proves their mortality, and argues that there is nothing to fear in death. Book 4 explains the nature of sensation and thought, and ends with an impressive account of sexual love. Book 5 describes the nature and formation of our world, astronomical phenomena, the beginnings of life on earth, and the development of civilization. In Book 6 the poet explains various atmospheric and terrestrial phenomena, including thunder, lightning, earthquakes, volcanoes, the magnet, and plagues. The work is distinguished by the fervor and poetry of the author.
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A glorious and fascinating book, Loeb Classical Library -- both Latin text and English on facing pages. A good, though prose, translation with very helpful introductory material. This particular copy was in as-new condition at a great price. It was well packaged and shipped out very quickly.
I guess it would have beenm better had it been free, but barring that it's perfect!
The image that accompanies this review is not of the edition ordered and received.
msjrn8
Oct 23, 2013
Bought to compare with another translation
Other is a bit easier going: would not have bought either, if it were not for my reading of The Swerve by S. Greenblatt.
