De Rerum Natura (Oxford Classical Texts) (Bks.1-6) (Latin Edition) [Hardcover]

Lucretius (Author), C. Bailey (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 1922 | ISBN-10: 0198146248 | ISBN-13: 978-0198146247 | Edition: 2nd

The purpose of this edition is to demonstrate the quality and interest of book VI: the intellectual curiosity of the analyst of earthquakes, volcanoes and marvellous phenomena, the rhetorical and philosophical powers of a thinker who wants to make his interpretation of Epicureanism both cogent and vivid, the deep humane compassion of the chronicler of the Plague at Athens, the sheer brilliance of the poet whose verse inspired all later writers in the tradition. This edition of the book is designed to make the poem accessible to readers who have not picked up Lucretius before and so the background has been treated as fully as possible in. Latin text with facing-page translation. 200p (Aris and Phillips 1991)

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘This is a thoroughly professional commentary, long overdue, certainly the soundest available guide for anyone beginning to read Lucretius, and all written with a brevity that comes near to wit.’ David West, Journal of Roman Studies

‘The result … is excitingly successful … Somehow [the editor] has managed … to talk about the important matters, to ask the right questions, to admit uncertainty, and to elucidate the purport of individual paragraphs and yet not to lose sight of their particular function within the Book as a whole.’ J. P. Elder, American Journal of Philosophy

‘Für die grammatisch-stilistische Einzelerklärung ist K.s Kommentar vorzüglich; hier leistet er nicht selten Besseres als Bailey. Dem mit L.’Sprache unvertrauten Anfänger wird er ein nützlicher Helfer sein; die Mittel und die Kunst der Darstellung … werden sachkundig erläutert.’ Konrad Müller, Gnomon --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English, Latin --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press; 2nd edition (December 31, 1922)
• Language: Latin
• ISBN-10: 0198146248
• ISBN-13: 978-0198146247
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #795,626 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Lucretius, August 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: De Rerum Natura: Libri Sex (Hardcover)

Lucretius isn't an author most come across, but nevertheless the DE RERVM NATVRA is truly a classic. In it he explains his version of epicureanism, taken from Epicurus and tweaked by Lucretius himself. Don't think our word 'epicurean' and this epicureanism are the same thing: epicurean has taken on a set of meanings that usually aren't present in the early philosophy, or in Lucretius's laying-out of it. Epicureanism should appeal to moderns as a very scientific view of the universe (L. offers scientific explanations of natural phaenomena, and isn't afraid to suspend judgement), including early atomic theory. On the other hand, the poetry and storytelling are moving. It is philosophy rimmed with the honey of poetry (as Lucretius puts it himself). As per this edition, it's pricey, but well worth it to completely understand the poet. The book itself is handsome and just the right size, and layed out well. The commentary is actually useful, unlike so many classical commentaries. It's advanced, but doesn't neglect or take for granted too much. At the same time, it doesn't concentrate on matters with a specialistic or only tenuous connection to the poem. In all, this is the place to study Lucretius, and to read a beautiful poem containing a beautiful (because thoughtful and insightful) philosophy.