The Nature of Things

Name: The Nature of Things
Brand: Penguin Books Ltd
SKU: 9780141396903
Price: 30.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Lucretius

Series: Penguin Pocket Hardbacks

3.97

( 13,777 ratings, 799 reviews)

Summary

The Nature of Things by Lucretius is a profound philosophical poem that explores Epicurean thought. It delves into the nature of the universe, the development of human societies, the workings of the mind and body, the phenomena of the natural world, and the pursuit of happiness through understanding and reason.
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Format: Hardback

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The Nature of Things

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by ancient philosophy and science. It offers a poetic exploration of the world, covering themes like the nature of the universe, human existence, and the pursuit of happiness from an Epicurean perspective.

The Nature of Things

Combines a scientific and philosophical treatise with some of the greatest poetry.

Lucretius' poem On the Nature of Things combines a scientific and philosophical treatise with some of the greatest poetry ever written.

Description

The Nature of Things by Lucretius is a profound exploration of the natural world and our place in it. This epic poem, composed in the 1st-century BC, offers a comprehensive examination of the universe, nature, and the human soul through a combination of scientific inquiry, philosophical discourse, and lyrical poetry. Lucretius embarks on a poetic journey to explain the workings of the world, stripping away the fears that cloud human existence by showing that everything, including the soul, is made of atoms and destined to disintegrate back into nature.

This clothbound edition of The Nature of Things is part of a prestigious series of classic works that have significantly impacted the course of human thought. Encased in a beautifully designed hardcover, it stands as both a literary treasure and a visual delight, making it an essential addition to any bookshelf.

With intense moral fervour, Lucretius demonstrates that death is not to be feared since the soul is mortal, and that the universe operates under natural laws instead of divine intervention. By adhering to these principles, humans can achieve tranquillity and happiness. The underpinnings of his work are rooted in the atomic theory of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who posited that the universe is composed of tiny, indivisible particles and void.

The Nature of Things delves into a multitude of themes including sensation and perception, sexual reproduction, the structure of the cosmos, atmospheric phenomena, and geological processes. Lucretius weaves these topics together with an elegance that elevates scientific discourse to the realm of high art, making complex concepts both accessible and deeply engaging.

The enduring relevance of The Nature of Things lies in its synthesis of poetic beauty and intellectual rigor. It invites readers to ponder fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and the natural world, encouraging a life of thoughtful reflection free from superstitious fears. This masterpiece continues to inspire and enlighten, standing as a testament to the power of human reason and imagination.

Series: Penguin Pocket Hardbacks

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Nature of Things by Lucretius has been praised as one of the most extraordinary classical translations in recent times, with A.E. Stallings's work being particularly lauded for its brilliance.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141396903

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 05 February 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

Translated by A. E. Stallings
Introduction by Richard Jenkyns

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 33.0mm

Width: 113.0mm

Height: 174.0mm

Weight: 411g

Pages: 480

Collections

Lucretius New at Book Hero Non-Fiction Philosophy & Psychology Philosophy & Stoicism Series: Penguin Pocket Hardbacks

About the Author

Titus Lucretius Carus (who died c.50 BC) was an Epicurean poet writing in the middle years of the first century BC. His six-book Latin hexameter poem De rerum natura survives virtually intact, although it is disputed whether he lived to put the finishing touches to it. As well as being a pioneering figure in the history of philosophical poetry, Lucretius has come to be our primary source of information on Epicurean physics, the official topic of his poem. A. E. Stallings was born in 1968. She grew up in Decatur, GA, and was educated at the University of Georgia and Oxford University in classics. Her poetry has appeared in The Best American Poetry (1994 and 2000) and has received numerous awards, including a Pushcart Prize (Pushcart Prize Anthology XXII), the 1997 Eunice Tietjens Prize from Poetry and the third annual James Dickey Prize from Five Points. Richard Jenkyns is Professor of the Classical Tradition, University of Oxford, a Fellow of Lady Margaret Hall and author of a number of books including Dignity and Decadence- Some Classical Aspects of Victorian Art and Architecture and The Victorians and Ancient Greece.