On the Nature of Things / Edition 3

by Lucretius, W. H. D. Rouse, Martin F. Smith

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674992009
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	01/01/1924
Series:	Loeb Classical Library , #181
Edition description:	9 printings/1st pub.1924-rev.1975/82/92
Pages:	672
Sales rank:	353,166
Product dimensions:	4.40(w) x 6.50(h) x 1.30(d)
Language:	Latin

About the Author

William Henry Denham Rouse (1863–1950) was Headmaster of the Perse School and a founding editor of the Loeb Classical Library.

Martin Ferguson Smith is Emeritus Professor of Classics, Durham University, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Life and Personality of Lucretius

The Philosophy

Mission and Poetry

The Manuscripts

Selective Bibliography

Conspectus Siglorum

On The Nature Of Things

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Book 4

Book 5

Book 6

Index

Editorial Reviews

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

Charles Segal

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

David Sedley

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