De Rerum Natura Libri Sex
Biponti / [Zweibrücken]: Ex Typographia Societatis Biponti [Deux Ponts Press], 1782. First edition thus. Hardcover. 8vo. [2], iii-xxxii, [2], 3-318, [34] pp. Half early nineteenth-century calf over paper boards, spine in six compartments with a red and a green morocco label lettered and ruled in gilt; all edges decoratively stained red. Endpapers contemporary to the binding are decorative with little red flowers hand-drawn on them. With a bust of Epictetus engraved on the title page, done by E. Verhelst. The best edition with various notes added, an index of uncommon words and Latin words that fell out of use. Dibdin 203. Gordon 112. Moss 283. The first Bipontine edition, according to Gordon, done in Zweibrücken. This edition contains a life of Lucretius by Lambinus. An edition useful to "less skilful readers of Latin", according to Moss. A beautiful poem discussing the tenets of Epicureanism, the nature of atoms and natural qualities of substances, love, the mortality of the soul and the death of our universe. An attractive edition of the rich discussion of ancient science and metaphysics, the only known work of the mysterious Roman figure who was admired by Cicero. Lucretius was an inspiration to the thinkers of the Renaissance and Enlightenment eras. Near Fine. Item #000012076
The binding is quite sharp with the leaves showing light foxing, overall a beautiful copy.
Price: $650.00