Author: Lucretius, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius; R. M. Hutchins, Editor in Chief
Title: Lucretius, Epictetus & Marcus Aurelius
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Great Books of the Western World
Year: 1952
Format: Full Brown Leatherette, Gilt Spine, Smyth-Sewn
Condition: Like New
Weight: 522 g
Dimensions: 17 × 24 × 1.8 cm
A handsome 1952 volume from Encyclopaedia Britannica’s Great Books of the Western World, bringing together three enduring works of ancient philosophy: Lucretius’s On the Nature of Things, Epictetus’s Discourses, and Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations.
The volume has a particularly appealing mid-century modernist character, with its restrained brown leatherette binding, gilt spine and generous proportions. The Smyth-sewn construction gives the book a substantial and durable feel, while the Like New condition preserves its original presentation exceptionally well.
Lucretius’s On the Nature of Things, translated by H. A. J. Munro, presents the Epicurean account of nature, matter and human existence. Epictetus’s Discourses, translated by George Long, offers practical reflections on character, freedom and the distinction between what is and is not within our control. Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, also translated by George Long, records the private philosophical reflections of the Roman emperor and remains one of the best-known works of Stoic philosophy.
Together, these works represent three influential voices in the ancient philosophical tradition, spanning Epicureanism and Stoicism, and addressing questions concerning nature, reason, character and the good life.
As a physical book, this is an especially pleasing example of the 1952 Great Books of the Western World series: elegant, substantial and quietly distinguished.
