On the Nature of Things
In six books of Latin verse written in the first century BC, Lucretius sets out the philosophy of Epicurus: the world is made of atoms moving in a void, the soul dies with the body, the gods take no interest in us, and the fear of death is therefore folly. Along the way he explains lightning, magnets, dreams, the origin of language and the passion of love, and ends with the plague at Athens. The poem was nearly lost and survives through a handful of medieval manuscripts. This edition presents it in William Ellery Leonard's blank-verse translation, which keeps the argument readable while preserving the grandeur of the openings. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the first part free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about On the Nature of Things
On the Nature of Things by Titus Lucretius Carus can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read On the Nature of Things online?
Yes. On the Nature of Things opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is On the Nature of Things free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of On the Nature of Things is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is On the Nature of Things in the public domain?
Yes. On the Nature of Things by Titus Lucretius Carus is a public-domain work, here in the translation by William Ellery Leonard. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read On the Nature of Things?
About 4 h 56 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is On the Nature of Things?
On the Nature of Things by Titus Lucretius Carus is filed under "Poetry" in the Vinteuil library.
