Virgil on the Nature of Things

Virgil's agricultural poem, the Georgics, forms part of a long tradition of didactic epic going back to the archaic poet Hesiod. This book explores the relationship between the Georgics and earlier works in the didactic tradition, particularly Lucretius' De Rerum Natura ("On the Nature of Things"). It is the first comprehensive study of Virgil's use of Lucretian themes, imagery, ideas and language; it also proposes a new reading of the poem as a whole, as a confrontation between the Epicurean philosophy of Lucretius and the opposing world views of his predecessors.

A thorough and comprehensive account of a subject of central importance in Latin studies
Draws on both traditional, philological approaches to allusion and modern theories of intertextuality
Provides a new reading of the Georgics as a whole

Reviews & endorsements

"This is a very good book, chock-full of insights about the interrelationships of Virgil's Georgics,. Lucretius' De Rerum Natura, and the tradition of didactic poetry of which they are major representatives. Vergil on the Nature of Things is a must-read not only for students of the Georgics and the DRN, but also for anyone interested in theoretical and practical aspects of intertextuality; it will repay repeated and careful scrutiny." New England Classical Journal

"Gale's new book succeeds admirably in fulfilling its primary goal, to reinstate De Rerum Natura as the most significant influence on Vergil's Georgics.... the gist of Vergil's extraordinay poem is here with great intelligence and care, richly presented for the benefit of students of Lucretius and Vergil alike." Classical World

"...insightful...valuable for anyone interested in major themes in the history of ideas. Gale's clear writing, and the fact that all Greek and Latin passages are translated, make this book accessible to a wide audience." Religious Studies Review

"...the very anture of the review of the tradition that makes Gale's book so valuable for anyone interested in major themes in the history of ideas. Gale's clear writing, and the fact that all Greek and Latin passages are translated, make this book accessible to a wide audience." Religious Studies Review

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