Translation of the De Rerum Natura of Titus Lucretius Carus

Anonymous English prose translation of De Rerum Natura by Titus Lucretius Carus, entitled 'The Natural Philosophy of Epicurus as delivered by T.Lucretius Carus in his poem "Of the Nature of Things"'. The manuscript was written c1850.

Titus Lucretius Carus was a Roman poet and philosopher. He was probably born in 98 or 96 BC, though few other details of his life are known. Carus was said to have been driven mad by a love-philter, and to have finally committed suicide in 55BC. He left one work, the De Rerum Natura , a didactic poem in 6 books setting forth the Epicurean system of philosophy, especially relating to the origin of the world and operations of natural forces.

Single item.

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Bought from Dr. J.H.P. Pafford in 1967.

Collection level description.

7½" x 6". The manuscript is written on ruled leaves of various colours, with the initials beginning each paragraph decorated or historiated in colour. The page beginning each of the six books bears an initial in gold leaf and a decorated border. There are three full-page pencil and watercolour drawings, at the opening of books 4, 5 and 6. The paper is watermarked 'G. Wilmot 1834'. The binding is of leather stamped with floral decorations in relief, with green watered silk endpapers, in a mottled cardboard slipcase.

Compiled by Sarah Aitchison as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.