There are few ancient authors as compelling as Lucretius: scientist, poet, philosopher, passionate observer of nature. While Caesar, Cicero, and Vergil have long vied for first place in the classical curriculum, Lucretius' treatment of universal human matters rightfully earns him a place in their company.
Catto's annotated text of Lucretius' De rerum natura provides 53 unadapted Latin passages in 1,294 lines (with macrons marked), spanning all 6 books of the epic. Passages included are (semi-colons indicate a new section): (Book 1) 1-43; 50-61; 62-101; 102-116, 146-48; 149-73; 215-29, 232-36; 250-64; 265-84, 295-97; 298-321; 329-45; 358-69, 400-09; 419-28, 430-32, 485-88, 498-502, 528-30; 565-76; 921-50; 958-59, 963-83; 1021-37. (Book 2) 1-33; 37-42, 44-61; 95-99, 114-22, 142-52, 157-59, 161-64; 216-24, 251-68, 289-93; 308-10, 312-32; 333-35, 338-70; 523-27, 532-40; 646-60; 991-1009, 1013-19, 1021-22; 1023-47; 1052-65, 1074-76; 1090-1104; 1150-52, 1157-74. (Book 3) 1-30; 37-64; 94-97, 136-44, 152-60; 323-49, 830-42; 894-903, 912-30; 931-65; 978-1023. (Book 4) 1058-64, 1089-110l 1120-22, 1129-40, 1144-59, 1177-79; 1278-1287. (Book 5) 1-2, 6-27, 37-51; 64-77; 195-234; 235-46; 432-48; 925-34, 937-47, 953-61, 966-72; 1011-23; 1028-29, 1041-45, 1050-51, 1056-61; 1161-68, 1183-89, 1194-1203; 1392-1404, 1412-35; 1448-1457. (Book 6) 58-78; 1090-97, 1138-44, 1256-58, 1267-86.
Special Features
- Comprehensive introduction to Lucretius, Epicureanism, and De Rerum Natura (features of style, archaisms, poetic devices)
- 53 unadapted Latin selected passages
- Total of 1,294 lines of Latin, spanning all 6 books of the poem
- Facing-page line-by-line grammar and vocabulary notes
- Short introduction to each selection
- Illustrative quotations from both ancient and modern sources
- Complete vocabulary
- Select bibliography