T. Lucretius Carus, Of the nature of things
By: in six books, translated into English verse; by Tho. Creech ... Explained and illustrated with notes and animadversions; being a compleat system of the Epicurean philosophy
Contributors: Creech, Thomas, 1659-1700, tr; Adams, John, 1735-1826, former owner; John Adams Library (Boston Public Library)
Publisher: Printed by J. Matthews for G. Sawbridge, at the Three Golden Flower de Luces in Little Britain
Published: 1714
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Other titles: Of the nature of things
Work titles: De rerum natura
Description: This poem by Lucretius combines a scientific and philosophical treatise with poetry. With intense moral fervour he demonstrates to humanity that in death there is nothing to fear since the soul is mortal, and the world and everything in it is governed by the mechanical laws of nature and not by gods; and that by believing this men can live in peace of mind and happiness. He bases this argument on the atomic theory expounded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus, and the poem explores sensation, sex, cosmology, meteorology, and geology with sympathy for man's place in the world. All of these subjects are made more attractive by the poetry with which he illustrates them. The Introduction gives full details of the little that is known of Lucretius' life and background in 1st century BCE Rome, and also of the Epicurean philosophy that was his inspiration. It also explores why the issues Lucretius' poem raises about the scientific and poetical views of the world continue to be important.
Notes: Paged continuously.

Title varies slightly.

Engraved frontispiece on verso facing t.p.

Title vignette: Minerva Londinensis.

"In this edition ... the verses in the text which Mr. Creech had left untranslated are supplied, and many new notes added, by another hand."--cf. Lowndes.

John Adams Library copy has bookplate: John Adams Library, in the Custody of the Boston Public Library.

Head-pieces; tail-pieces; initials; vignettes.

Errata in v. 2 on p. [34].

Pp. 244-245 misnumbered 144-145.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ESTC,  T49794

Gordon,  331F

John Adams Library copy transferred from the supervisors of the Temple and School Fund. Quincy, Mass., 1894.