Lucretius: Epicurean And Poet - Paperback

Lucretius: Epicurean And Poet is a biographical and critical study of the life and work of the ancient Roman poet Lucretius, written by the renowned scholar John Masson. Lucretius, who lived in the first century BCE, is best known for his epic poem De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things), which explores the principles of Epicurean philosophy, including the nature of the universe, the role of the gods, and the pursuit of happiness.Masson's book provides a comprehensive overview of Lucretius' life and times, as well as an in-depth analysis of his poetry and philosophy. Drawing on a range of primary and secondary sources, Masson examines the historical and cultural context in which Lucretius lived, and traces the influence of earlier Greek philosophers on his thought.The book is divided into three main sections. The first section provides a biographical sketch of Lucretius, including his upbringing, education, and political affiliations. The second section focuses on Lucretius' poetry, exploring his use of language, style, and literary devices. Masson pays particular attention to the philosophical ideas expressed in De Rerum Natura, and discusses Lucretius' relationship to earlier Epicurean thinkers such as Epicurus and Metrodorus.The final section of the book considers the legacy of Lucretius' work, both in the ancient world and in later periods of history. Masson discusses the reception of De Rerum Natura in antiquity, including its influence on other poets and philosophers. He also examines the rediscovery of Lucretius' work during the Renaissance, and its impact on the development of modern science and philosophy.Overall, Lucretius: Epicurean And Poet is a comprehensive and insightful study of one of the most important poets and thinkers of the ancient world. It will be of interest to scholars and students of classics, philosophy, and literature, as well as to general readers interested in the history of ideas.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.