The "De Rerum Natura" of Lucretius (?97-55 BC) is at first sight
something of an oddity: a scientific treatise dealing with atomic
physics, human biology and the nature of the cosmos, it is at the
same time a poem of great power and intensity, one of the most
important and influential literary works of its era. This book
seeks to resolve the apparent contradiction by locating Lucretius'
poem in the context of a very ancient tradition of didactic (or
'teaching') epic. It explores some of the ways in which Lucretius,
in this attempt to convince the reader of the truth of his
philosophical system, makes the traditional features of epic poetry
work for him. And it discusses the poet's subtle interweaving of
technical exposition with ethical precept, arguing that the poem
offers the reader not just a scientific account of the workings of
nature, but also a guide to happiness.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!