On the Nature of Things: Lucretius' Epic on Science, Philosophy, and the Cosmos (Deluxe Hardbound Edition)

By Lucretius, T. Lucretius Carus, Titus Lucretius Carus, et al.

Book Overview

What if you could uncover the secrets of the universe, explore the foundations of science and philosophy, and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world?

On the Nature of Things: Lucretius' Epic on Science, Philosophy, and the Cosmos brings you Lucretius' timeless masterpiece, thoughtfully modernized and adapted for today's readers.

Written in poetic form over two thousand years ago, On the Nature of Things is a profound exploration of the natural world, human existence, and the nature of the cosmos. Drawing on the teachings of Epicurus, Lucretius addresses topics like atomism, the nature of the soul, the origins of life, and the infinite expanse of the universe, blending philosophy and early science into one monumental work.

This is not just an ancient poem-it's a transformative guide to understanding the world through reason, logic, and observation. Whether you're fascinated by philosophy, science, or the deeper mysteries of existence, Lucretius' insights provide an inspiring and thought-provoking journey through the laws of nature and the human condition.

What You'll Discover in This Modern Translation: The Foundations of Science and Philosophy - Explore early ideas of atomism, physics, and the nature of the cosmos that shaped scientific thought.Life, Death, and the Human Experience - Discover Lucretius' reflections on the soul, mortality, and living free from fear and superstition.The Beauty of the Natural World - Gain a deeper appreciation for nature's wonders, the origins of life, and the interconnectedness of all things.Modernized for Today's Readers - Experience Lucretius' brilliant work in clear, accessible language while preserving its poetic beauty and depth.

Imagine exploring timeless ideas about existence, science, and the cosmos-ideas that remain strikingly relevant in our modern age. This modern translation makes Lucretius' profound insights accessible, allowing readers to reflect on the nature of life, the universe, and human understanding.

Get your copy today and embark on a timeless journey with Lucretius' masterpiece.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1804212334
• ISBN13: 9781804212332
• Release Date: February 2025
• Publisher: Library of Alexandria
• Length: 286 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful

Lucretius's arguments for his atomic theory and the "swerve" are paragons of lucidity. It's a good thing I had physics in school, I was very nearly converted anyway. The section dealing with love is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading elegant ideas beautifully expressed, or beautiful ideas elegantly expressed.

Among the very best of ancient literature

I can only second the opinions presented here. This is great poetry and great philosophy. Lucretius is truly amazing in his presentation of science, much of it the foundations of today's; he was the first and remains the best of popular science writers. The translation is dazzling. For once we are not reading to get an approximation of the original author's intentions, but for sheer excitement. This book should restore faith in the vital interplay of ancient and modern culture and dispel the myth of dualism between art and science.

Lucretius' Nature of Things, or How to Succeed in Life

I took a Roman history class called The Rise of Rome and this book was assigned to shed light upon some insightful details into one of the most popular Hellenistic philosophies, Epicureanism, and although Lucretius was of Roman nationality, this book is the most accessibly popular for students reading about Epicureanism for the first time. Copley's translation is written in meter, but what Lucretius was trying to say was very clear to me. I was actually most impressed by the clarity, although there were many other things that stayed with me after I read this. Although we don't know a lot about him comparatively to other Late-Republic figures like Cicero, Caesar, and Catullus, Lucretius was an interesting fellow (please read T.P. Wiseman's essay The Two Worlds of Titus Lucretius Carus), and he was evidently some sort of Renaissance man, as he was a scholar of everything from biology to philosophy to theology. Lucretius was quite an overachieving sort, as he was able, unlike many during the Roman republic, to find a patron, in this case the Roman politician Memmius, who was able to facilitate his ambitious literary aspirations via monetary funding. The Nature of Things is actually addressed to Memmius, just as the poet Lucan addressed his book on the Civil War between Pompey and Caesar, the Pharsalia, to the Roman emperor Nero a century later. Lucretius' proem in six books is in essence a comprehensive sermon whose message is basically how every man, and especially Memmius, should live his life. The relationship between the princely poet Lucretius and the Machiavellian politician Memmius is quite interesting. Lucretius, from the evidence of his proem, was a man who lived very close to his ideals, whereas Memmius was a crafty "Goodie" who was later indicted of voting fraud by the senate. The Roman poet Catullus, a contemporary of Lucretius, mentions Memmius in one of his 'hate' poems, calling him something quite nasty, because Memmius--when he was holding the office of Praetor in Asia Minor--cheated Catullus and his companions out of some tribute. It's hard to pigeonhole The Nature of Things, as Lucretius covers many topics in the six books, most conspicuously love, sex, and death. But every line serves the purpose of creating a kind of Epicurean manifesto, listing and elaborating upon the principal concepts mothered by Lucretius' Mohammed, the philosopher Epicurus, who lived nearly three hundred years before Lucretius even started working on his great work. Pursuant to Roman literary convention, Lucretius, at the beginning of his book, invokes his celestial muse, the Roman goddess Venus, who like Memmius, was also reputed to possess Trojan heritage, something Memmius was akin to celebrate profusely. This book is easy to take with you on a trip anywhere, and it's inexpensive too, so I recommend it highly. The notes on the bottom of the page are also helpful.