Description
Book SynopsisThis book studies the structure and origins of De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things), the great first-century BC poem by Lucretius.
Trade Review'[this] may be recommended unreservedly as a major contribution to the understanding of Lucretius' poetics, [and] must become required reading for all students of Lucretius … [It is] one of the most stimulating works on Lucretius for many years.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review
'This is a very rich book, a milestone in Lucretian scholarship and without any doubt a major point of reference for future Lucretian studies.' Phronesis
'Lucretius and the Transformation of Greek Wisdom recommends itself for its overall wealth of detail, as well as for its engaging reconstruction of the relationship between the poems of Lucretius and that of Empedocles … ' The Times Literary Supplement
'… fascinating … S gives us a lot of excellent insights into many aspects of the poem … will continue to provoke healthy critical debate and is already required reading in university courses on Lucretius. It is not afraid to raise big questions about Lucretius … scrupulous accuracy and apparently effortless readability … his opinions, and the light his arguments shed on the detail of the poem and its background, cannot be ignored by any serious student - or teacher- of this poem.' The Journal of Classics Teaching
Table of Contents1. The Empedoclean opening; 2. Two languages, two worlds; 3. Lucretius the fundamentalist; 4. Epicurus, On Nature; 5. Lucretius' plan and its execution; 6. The imprint of Theophrastus; 7. The transformation of Book I; Epilogue.
