Lucretius: On the Nature of Things (Focus Philosophical Library) [Paperback]

Walter Englert (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0941051218 | ISBN-13: 978-0941051217 | Publication Date: March 1, 2003

This text is a translation of Lucretius’ poem which adheres faithfully to the text, yet with poetic force, accuracy, and humanitas and includes introduction, notes, and a glossary of philosophical terms cross-referenced to use throughout the poem.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Englert's translation of the poem is indeed accurate and readable. He knows the poem as thoroughly as he knows the scholarship that bears on it… an admirable translation, admirably supported by scholarly tools.

-- W.R. Johnson, University of Chicag

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Latin --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Focus Publishing/R. Pullins Co. (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0941051218
• ISBN-13: 978-0941051217
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #139,636 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deserves the highest recommendation especially for public and college library collections, January 13, 2011

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Nature of Things (Naxos Non Fiction) (Audio CD)

On the Nature of Things is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of the only surviving work of the Roman philosopher Lucretius, born in 99 BC. In "On the Nature of Things", Lucretius sought to liberate his fellow Romans from their fear of the gods, and their fear of death. Lucretius argued that the gods are not directly involved in life, and therefore there is no need to appease them; he also argued that death is the end of a human being's body and soul, and therefore there is no point in fearing it. An unforgettable amalgamation of insight, now in a new English translation by Ian Johnston and intuitively performed by theater, film, and television actor Hugh Ross, On the Nature of Things deserves the highest recommendation especially for public and college library collections.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars lucretius /On Nature of Things, December 21, 2011

By 

Toro Seduto - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On the Nature of Things, Translated by Martin Ferguson Smith (Hackett Classics Series) (Paperback)

Excellent, clarified translation makes for enjoyable reading, easily absorbed almost as a fiction novel. Read this after reading "The Swerve" and other excellent books from Amazon on Roman history.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking, October 21, 2011

By 

R. E. Chanley - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lucretius: On the Nature of Things (Focus Philosophical Library) (Paperback)

I wondered if I would find this 2000 year old poem relevant to my 21st century life. It is. On The Nature of Things is almost a reference book of everyday subjects from pain, harmony, love, touch, taste and free will. It also goes on the broader subjects such as life, rain, atoms, religion, earth and the universe. The outline of the poem gives you a broad idea of what Lucretius is talking about, and the index lets you quickly find his thoughts on any given subject. I find that I pick up the book when I'm thinking about something, and I wonder what Lucretius has to say about it. I would suggest this book to any independant thinker.