Richard Jenkyns Libros

Long considered the standard introduction to Rome's influence on later centuries (the original was published in 1923), this completely new edition of the classic work brings together the latest scholarship in the field. Unlike the previous version, which focused on such narrow topics as commerce and administration, the new edition broadens the spectrum of influence, showing the impact, for example, of Roman literature, art, politics, law, and language on western civilization. With 24 pages of plates. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

In the ancient world Homer was recognised as the fountainhead of culture. His poems, the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey',were universally admired as examples of great literature which couldnever be surpassed. In this study, Jenkyns re- examines the twoHomeric epics and the work that is perhaps their closest rival, Virgil's Aeneid.

What makes Greek and Roman literature great? How has classical literature influenced Western culture? What did Greek and Roman authors learn from each other? Richard Jenkyns is emeritus Professor of the Classical Tradition and the Public Orator at the University of Oxford. His books include Virgil's Experience and The Victorians and Ancient Greece, acclaimed as 'masterly' by History Today.

Lucretius' poem On the Nature of Things combines a scientific and philosophical treatise with some of the greatest poetry ever written. 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 on the atomic theory expounded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus, and continues with an examination of sensation, sex, cosmology, meteorology, and geology, all of these subjects made more attractive by the poetry with which he illustrates them.