On the Nature of Things

The Roman Lucretius was a follower of Epicurus, who taught that knowledge, fraternity, and the practice of virtue lead to the greatest pleasures in life – tranquility and security. Lucretius set forth his interpretation of this philosophy in his only known writing, De Rerum Natura, or On the Nature of Things. It seems modern in its materialism, disdain of superstition, and trust in science, but remote in its phrasing and versification – for it is not only a treatise but a poem. Narrator Hugh Ross goes to great lengths to bring his considerable expressive power to bear on the meaning of the lines but falls short on the poetry. The graceless translation by Canadian scholar Ian Johnston does not help.

Y.R., AudioFile

In this first-century BCE epic poem, Roman poet/philosopher Lucretius explores the doctrines of Epicurean philosophy, systematically teaching how the universe is not the creation of a supreme being but can instead be explained by natural laws. He also anticipates several modern ideas, as in his theory of atomism, a belief in the existence of atoms that produce the materials we see around us. Ian Johnston, who produced a new verse translation for this recording, captures the poetic force of the original without sacrificing clarity, while narrator Hugh Ross (Aristotle: An Introduction) delivers a clear and lively performance. Though some listeners may have difficulty with the scientific explanations, this audio offers a poetic and persuasive rendition of a philosophical classic and is recommended for academic and large public libraries.

Nancy Ives, Library Journal