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Rating: 
Summary: Still the best edition for the general reader
Review: A number of other English translations, in prose or verse, have emerged since this book was first published in 1968. While most have their good points, this one stands out for its clarity, unforced feel, and the sheer beauty of its poetry. (It doesn't hurt that it is reasonably priced!) In this Lucretius, the poet and philosopher are inextricably mixed and cannot be put asunder.The naturalistic view of a beautiful but cold, and unfeeling universe is limned brilliantly and passionately. The gods appear, but only as a literary conceit, or as a faint concession to the possibility of higher realms of being. We are left "all alone", but not "all afraid". The light of understanding banishes dark terrors: Nothing; no horrors await us in death. Our lives here remain what we make them. Far from leading to nihilism and despair, this knowledge renews our sense of purpose. Play your part well; there is no second act. I can only hint at the excitement that awaits the interested reader within these pages. If anything written here has failed to convey the pleasure of this book, or has proven off-putting, then I apologize. "Tole et lege!"
Rating:
Summary: Among the very best of ancient literature
Review: I can only second the opinions presented here. This is great poetry and great philosophy. Lucretius is truly amazing in his presentation of science, much of it the foundations of today's; he was the first and remains the best of popular science writers. The translation is dazzling. For once we are not reading to get an approximation of the original author's intentions, but for sheer excitement. This book should restore faith in the vital interplay of ancient and modern culture and dispel the myth of dualism between art and science.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: I ordered this with some trepidation: Lucretius was difficult enough to understand in prose, never mind poetry. It turns out that this translation is the CLEAREST and MOST READABLE Lucretius I have ever seen. Lucretius is an author I read regularly. He has accomnpanied me through my life for years. This is now the translation which I will turn to. This is a book to study, memorize sections from, enjoy, and be dazzled by. I want to thank the author for his evident love for the material to turn out such an excellent translation.
Rating:
Summary: Among the very best of ancient literature
Review: This is a wonderful book. Rolfe Humphries did a magnificent job of making this philosophical poet relevant to us in the 20th. The translation is eminently readable and at times reaches heights of beauty that does the great Roman Epicurean justice. I discovered Humphries' Lucretius 20 years ago. I've found no other translation to be as accessible or as beautiful. It's been a consolation to me often in the last two decades and I'm sure it will continue to be in the future. Lucretius has much to say to us and we owe Rolfe Humphries a lot for giving him to us in a translation that manages to be both profound and charming at the same time.
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