The Life and Morals of Epicurus;

An early reprint edition of John Digby's English-language translation of the Greek philosopher Epicurus' (341-270 BC) moral teachings, comprising his 'Wise Man' sayings, Letter to Menoeceus, and excerpts from his maxims, his biography, and Isocrates' Advice to Demonicus.

The major source for Epicurean doctrine, and Digby's translation, is Diogenes Laertius' Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, which was written roughly 600 years after the events it describes. Epicurus taught that philosophy's purpose is to obtain ultimate happiness (eudaimonia) free from physical pain and mental distress. As such, Epicureanism was condemned as a form of hedonism in the middle ages, and Epicurus considered a patron of gluttony, drunkenness and vice. A renewed interest in his teachings emerged in the seventeenth century, where his atomist description of nature gained credence in Royal Society circles, and was soon considered the best model for explaining the physical world.

This 1818 printing was edited by one Joseph Tela, perhaps a pseudonym for Joseph Webb, editor of The Philosophical Library.

8vo (22.5 x 14 cm); a little toned; modern green morocco, covers ruled in gilt, spine lettered in gilt, very good; xv, [1], 233, [1]pp.