On the Nature of the Universe
by Lucretius, Ronald Melville, Don Fowler (Introduction by), Peta Fowler (Introduction by)
ISBN-10: 0199555141
ISBN-13: 9780199555147
$13.95
Book Specs
Binding
Trade Paper
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Published on
Feb 15, 2009
Edition
1st Edition
Dimensions
7.60x0.80x5.00 Inches
Weight
0.52 Pounds
About the Book
`Therefore this terror and darkness of the mindNot by the sun's rays, nor the bright shafts of day,Must be dispersed, as is most necessary,But by the face of nature and her laws.'Lucretius' poem On the Nature of the Universe combines a scientific and philosophical treatise with some of the greatest poetry ever written. With intense moral fervour Lucretius demonstrates to humanity that in death there is nothing to fear since the soul is mortal, and the world and everythingin it is governed not by the gods, but by the mechanical laws of nature. By believing this, men can live in peace of mind and happiness. Lucretius bases his argument on the atomic theory expounded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus. His poem explores sensation, sex, cosmology, meteorology, andgeology through acute observation of the beauties of the natural world and with moving sympathy for man's place in it.Sir Ronald Melville's accessible and accurate verse translation is complemented by an introduction and notes situating Lucretius' scientific theories within the thought of 1st century BCE Rome and discussing the Epicurean philosophy that was his inspiration and why the issues Lucretius' poemraisies about the scientific and poetical views of the world continue to be important.