On the Nature of the Universe (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

~ Lucretius (Author), Ronald E. Latham (Translator), John Godwin (Introduction) "Mother of Aeneas and his race, delight of men and gods, life-giving Venus, it is your doing that under the wheeling constellations of the sky..." (more)
Key Phrases: sensory motions, gusty air, atomic shapes (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This is regarded as a seminal text of Epicurean science and philosophy. With a new introduction and commentary and a revised translation, this edition acknowledges advances in textual research and also provides more background information for the reader. Epicurians discarded both the idea of immortality and the superstitious worship of wilful gods for a life of serene contentment in the available pleasures of nature. Lucretius (c100-c55BC), in elucidating this belief, steers the reader through an extraordinary breadth of subject matter, ranging from the indestructibility of atoms and the discovery of fire to the folly of romantic love and the phenomena of clouds and rainstorms.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics; Rev Sub edition (December 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140446109
• ISBN-13: 978-0140446104
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #453,319 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, December 18, 2000

By	Nels Lindberg (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Lucretius's arguments for his atomic theory and the "swerve" are paragons of lucidity. It's a good thing I had physics in school, I was very nearly converted anyway. The section dealing with love is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading elegant ideas beautifully expressed, or beautiful ideas elegantly expressed.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the Heart and Mind of a Latin Student, February 1, 2005

By	Y. Zemmel "oryx06" (Antioch, Tennessee United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having undertaken the task of translating large chunks of De Rerum Natura, I was directed to this translation of the text in order to help me fill in the gaps present in the Latin selections. (And this means that I have not only translated much of the text myself, but have been forced to submit COMMENTARY on my understanding of Lucretius.) This translation by Latham fulfils my needs well and is good on several levels: it is close to the literal (and very raw) translation from the original Latin text, while at the same time providing the reader with an...aura of poetic mastery present in Lucretius' writing. This text can only seem boring when compared to contemporary "fluff"--in truth, it is a masterful translation of the most exhilarating work, one that deals not only with the issue of Death, but with the difficulty of Existence. Read for yourself!

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing can ever be created out of nothing, even by divine power, December 17, 2006

By	Luc REYNAERT (Beernem, Belgium) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Lucretius's book is an important text in the history of mankind.
Its basic philosophy is Epicureanism: `If a man would guide his life by true philosophy, he will find ample riches in a modest livelihood enjoyed with a tranquil mind', because `greed and lust of power make man unhappy. The kings were killed!'
Lucretius adopts the method of logical deduction in his scientific research (e.g., why a centaur cannot exist).
He is a perfect materialist, even a physicalist. For him, there was never a body/mind problem: `the mind, which we often call the intellect, is part of man, no less than hand or foot or eyes.' Mind and spirit are both composed of matter only. `Vain is the suggestion that the spirit is immortal.'
He was even a proto-Darwinist: `monstrous and misshapen births were created. Nature debarred them from increase', and an anti-creationist (see title).
He was fiercely against religion, which he called pure superstition: `Iphigenia, a sinless victim to a sinful rite. Such are the heights of wickedness to which men are driven by superstition.'
`The universe was certainly not created for us by divine power. It is so full of imperfections. Why do changing seasons bring pestilence?'
Piety is pure Phariseism: `This is not piety, this kowtowing and prostration on the ground. For all his prayers, the tornado does not relax.'
He is a fine psychologist: `Look at man in the midst of doubt and danger and you will learn in his hour of adversity what he really is. The mask is torn off.'
His forceful painting of the Athenian plague in 430 B.C. is worth a Boccaccio.

Of course, this book is partly very naïve. But it constitutes a milestone in Western philosophy, as it is the product of totally independent, religion-free speculation, written by a superb free mind.
A must read for all historians of science and philosophy, and lovers of classical literature.