On the Nature of the Universe

On the Nature of the Universe combines a scientific and philosophical treatise with some of the greatest poetry ever written. Based on the atomic theory of Epicurus, Lucretius' poem explores sensation, sex, cosmology, meteorology, and geology through acute observation of the beauties of the natural world and with moving sympathy for man's place in it. Sir Ronald Melville's accessible and accurate verse translation is complemented by an introduction and notes situating Lucretius' scientific theories within the thought of 1st century BCE Rome and discussing the Epicurean philosophy that was his inspiration.