reviews_ De Rerum Natura
Hi David,
Let me begin by apologizing for not having replied earlier. There are two reasons for the delay. First is the obvious one, namely I am busy with my teaching, research, and writing. But there is more. Poetry has never been my strong suit, especially parsing free verse, with all the freedom it gives you. Having said that, I found the first reading of your book to be quite intriguing for two reasons. First, I am in awe of your command of: the English language; literary works; and, history. Quite honestly, I had to look up words like: dextral, sinistral, and pithecine, as well as historical and literary references, such as Konghzi's throat , Heraclitus' river, and Lion Gate. Second, I saw glimmers of connections between science, philosophy, literature, and history that I had never thought about before.
Stimulated by these things, I have read the book four times so far. Each time I see what are for me: new connections in these realms; new metaphors, new references to history; new references to cosmology; and, new references to other realms of science that I had not seen in the previous readings. I now have the thought that if scholars take the time to study your book as I have, they may find that it presents opportunities for their students and/or their readers to gain new insights into the science, history, and philosophy that you connect.
Best Wishes,
Neil Comins / Physics and Astronomy - University of Maine
Author of the book: What if the Moon Didn’t Exist. []
Review of De Rerum Natura: On Nature and Poetry by David Hillstrom
Poetry: Hillstrom's poetic style in this work is marked by clarity and lyrical sophistication. He employs a classical poetic tone that echoes the ancient Roman poet Lucretius, whose original De Rerum Natura is the basis for this translation and adaptation. The poetry effectively balances scientific and philosophical content with aesthetic beauty, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. The rhythm and meter are carefully crafted, giving the poetry a musical quality that invites reflection. Hillstrom's language is precise yet evocative, capturing both the wonder of nature and the intricacies of Epicurean philosophy.
Introduction: The introduction sets the stage beautifully, providing valuable context about Lucretius' original work, its historical significance, and its relevance today. Hillstrom's explanations are insightful, offering readers an understanding of the philosophical underpinnings and the scientific discoveries that inform the text. The introduction is well-organized, seamlessly guiding readers from the classical origins to contemporary interpretations. It successfully establishes a tone of curiosity and reverence, encouraging readers to appreciate the poetic and philosophical depth of the ensuing poetry.
Addendum: The addendum is a thoughtful addition, offering further commentary, annotations, and reflections that enhance the reader’s understanding. It includes contemporary perspectives on Epicurean philosophy, insights into the translation choices, and discussions on the scientific themes intertwined with poetry. Hillstrom's supplemental material adds academic rigor without overwhelming the reader, making the work suitable for both casual readers and scholars. The addendum also addresses common questions and misconceptions, providing clarity and deepening the appreciation of Lucretius' text.
Overall Impression:
Hillstrom’s De Rerum Natura: On Nature and Poetry succeeds as a literary and philosophical endeavor. The poetry is eloquent and evocative, the introduction is informative and engaging, and the addendum enriches the reading experience. It’s a compelling hybrid of science, philosophy, and poetry that invites reflection on the natural world and our place within it.
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Chat GPT Reviews. []