On the Nature of Things (Translated by William Ellery Leonard with an Introduction by Cyril Bailey)

by Lucretius, William Ellery Leonard (Translator), Cyril Bailey (Introduction)

Overview

Very little is known about the Roman poet and philosopher Titus Lucretius Carus. His birth and death dates are based off of cross-referencing works that mention him, and pieces of evidence derived from his writing, and are believed to be circa 99 BC-54 BC. "On the Nature of Things" is Lucretius's only known work. The goal of the text is to explain Epicurean philosophy to the Roman people. It is addressed to Gaius Memmius, a praetor and patron of Lucretius. Presented in this work is an argument for atomism, the assertion that it is not the Gods that are responsible for the happenings of the world, but rather atoms and voids. Lucretius also argues that death is simply the dissipation of the human mind, and that it is not something we should fear. "On the Nature of Things" is a detailed articulation of ancient thought-provoking debates which are still relevant today. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, follows the verse translation of William Ellery Leonard, and includes an introduction by Cyril Bailey.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781420951646
Publisher:	Digireads.com
Publication date:	06/17/2015
Pages:	242
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.55(d)

About the Author

Titus Lucretius Carus—Lucretius—was a Roman poet and philosopher (ca. 99 BC – ca. 55 BC). His only known work is an epic philosophical poem laying out the beliefs of Epicureanism, De rerum natura, translated into English as On the Nature of Things.

Frank O. Copley was a preeminent translator of Latin. His publications include Catallus: The Complete Poetry; Plautus: Menaechmi, Mostellaria, Rudens; Vergil: The Aeneid and Lucretius's On the Nature of Things.

Editorial Reviews

Meticulous, judicious and reader-friendly in equal measure, it embodies the fruits of a lifetime's study of Lucretius' poetic masterpiece.

David Sedley

The translation is accurate, clear, readable, and vigorous. The introduction is excellent.

Charles Segal

Martin Ferguson Smith has for many years been one of the leading Lucretian scholars in the world. . . . We should expect from the beginning then that we are in the hands of a wise and learned guide as soon as we open his Lucretius, and this expectation is certainly borne out by the quality of this sensitive and thoughtful edition. . . . The Introduction . . . is excellent. Smith outlines in a highly accessible manner what little is known of Lucretius' life and times, the poem's position and status in the Epic and Didactic tradition, and the philosophy of Epicurus that Lucretius puts forward, but also manages to include some of the most up to date research, including recent scholarship on the Herculaneum papyri. . . . But of course, the translation is the most important part of the work . . . [and] it is streets ahead of the competition. . . . I can recommend this book unreservedly. --Gordon Campbell, Hermathena

The translation is accurate, clear, readable, and vigorous. The introduction is excellent. It provides the basic information to the non-specialist reader without overburdening him or her with excessive details. The background on what is known of Lucretius' life, contemporary events, and Epicureanism is all very helpful. Smith has incorporated the most recent research, including the new discoveries of Epicurean materials from Herculaneum. --Charles Segal, Harvard University

For anyone concerned to understand the Epicurean philosophical tradition from the inside, the republication, in an updated version, of Martin Ferguson Smith's little-known translation of Lucretius is welcome news. Meticulous, judicious and reader-friendly in equal measure, it embodies the fruits of a lifetime's study of Lucretius' poetic masterpiece. --David Sedley, Christ's College, University of Cambridge

From the Publisher