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The Natural History of Pliny (Vol. 1-6)
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Science and Nature

The Natural History of Pliny (Vol. 1-6)

Enriched edition. Complete EditionBy Pliny the Elder
Michael Caine
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Length156h 38m

About this audiobook

In 'The Natural History of Pliny' (Vol. 1-6), Pliny the Elder presents an expansive and systematic exploration of the natural world, melding empirical observation with a philosophical perspective. This monumental work, composed in the first century AD, serves as one of the earliest encyclopedias, encompassing a vast array of topics from astronomy to botany, geography to zoology. Pliny's literary style is characterized by its encyclopedic ambition and meticulous detail, offering insights enriched by the knowledge of his time while integrating anecdotes and personal reflections that breathe life into cold data. This scholarly narrative not only catalogues nature but also reflects the Roman intellectual zeitgeist, where the pursuit of knowledge was paramount. Pliny himself was a multifaceted individual, serving as a naval and army commander, an imperial official, and a naturalist, all of which influenced his inquiry into the natural phenomena surrounding him. His keen observations, often informed by firsthand experiences across the Roman Empire, enrich his analysis. Notably, the tragedy of his untimely death during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius serves as a poignant testament to his relentless curiosity about nature, encapsulating the spirit of inquiry that permeates his writings. This foundational text is highly recommended for scholars, historians, and enthusiasts of natural history alike. As a cornerstone of scientific literature, Pliny's 'Natural History' invites readers to traverse the complexities of the natural world through the lens of one of antiquity's most astute observers. Engage with this timeless work to appreciate the legacy of knowledge that continues to influence the disciplines of science and natural philosophy. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Nature & WildernessExplorationJourneyHealingMythological WorldPolitical IntrigueFolkloreIdentity

Audiobook details

Rating★★★★ 4.3 (436)
Includes LibraryThing, Amazon, Goodreads
GenreScience and Nature
Length156 hrs 38 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 24, 2023
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis (Selection)
4Historical Context
5Author Biography
Show all chapters
6PREFACE
7THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF PLINY.
8BOOK I.
9BOOK II.
10CHAP. 1. (1.)—WHETHER THE WORLD BE FINITE, AND WHETHER THERE BE MORE THAN ONE WORLD.
11CHAP. 2. (2.)—OF THE FORM OF THE WORLD91.
12CHAP. 3. (3.)—OF ITS NATURE; WHENCE THE NAME IS DERIVED.
13CHAP. 4. (5.)—OF THE ELEMENTS100 AND THE PLANETS101.
14CHAP. 5. (7.)—OF GOD109.
15CHAP. 6. (8.)—OF THE NATURE OF THE STARS; OF THE MOTION OF THE PLANETS.
16CHAP. 7.—OF THE ECLIPSES OF THE MOON AND THE SUN.
17CHAP. 8. (11.)—OF THE MAGNITUDE OF THE STARS.
18CHAP. 9. (12.)—AN ACCOUNT OF THE OBSERVATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE ON THE HEAVENS BY DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS.
19CHAP. 10. (13.)—ON THE RECURRENCE OF THE ECLIPSES OF THE SUN AND THE MOON.
20CHAP. 11. (14.)—OF THE MOTION OF THE MOON.
21CHAP. 12. (15.)—OF THE MOTIONS OF THE PLANETS AND THE GENERAL LAWS OF THEIR ASPECTS204.
22CHAP. 13.—WHY THE SAME STARS APPEAR AT SOME TIMES MORE LOFTY AND AT OTHER TIMES MORE NEAR.
23CHAP. 14. (17.)—WHY THE SAME STARS HAVE DIFFERENT MOTIONS.
24CHAP. 15.—GENERAL LAWS240 OF THE PLANETS.
25CHAP. 16. (18.)—THE REASON WHY THE STARS ARE OF DIFFERENT COLOURS.
26CHAP. 17. (19.)—OF THE MOTION OF THE SUN AND THE CAUSE OF THE IRREGULARITY OF THE DAYS.
27CHAP. 18. (20.)—WHY THUNDER IS ASCRIBED TO JUPITER.
28CHAP. 19. (21.)—OF THE DISTANCES OF THE STARS.
29CHAP. 20. (22.)—OF THE HARMONY OF THE STARS.
30CHAP. 21. (23.)—OF THE DIMENSIONS OF THE WORLD.
31CHAP. 22. (24.)—OF THE STARS WHICH APPEAR SUDDENLY, OR OF COMETS270.
32CHAP. 23.—THEIR NATURE, SITUATION, AND SPECIES.
33CHAP. 24. (26.)—THE DOCTRINE OF HIPPARCHUS293 ABOUT THE STARS.
34CHAP. 25.—EXAMPLES FROM HISTORY OF CELESTIAL PRODIGIES; FACES, LAMPADES, AND BOLIDES295.
35CHAP. 26.—TRABES CELESTES; CHASMA CŒLI.
36CHAP. 27. (27.)—OF THE COLOURS OF THE SKY AND OF CELESTIAL FLAME.
37CHAP. 28. (28.)—OF CELESTIAL CORONÆ.
38CHAP. 29.—OF SUDDEN CIRCLES.
39CHAP. 30.—OF UNUSUALLY LONG ECLIPSES OF THE SUN.
40CHAP. 31. (31.)—MANY SUNS.
41CHAP. 32. (32.)—MANY MOONS.
42CHAP. 33. (33.)—DAYLIGHT IN THE NIGHT.
43CHAP. 34. (34.)—BURNING SHIELDS311.
44CHAP. 35. (35.)—AN OMINOUS APPEARANCE IN THE HEAVENS, THAT WAS SEEN ONCE ONLY.
45CHAP. 36. (36.)—OF STARS WHICH MOVE ABOUT IN VARIOUS DIRECTIONS.
46CHAP. 37. (37.)—OF THE STARS WHICH ARE NAMED CASTOR AND POLLUX316.
47CHAP. 38. (38.)—OF THE AIR AND ON THE CAUSE OF THE SHOWERS OF STONES.
48CHAP. 39. (39.)—OF THE STATED SEASONS.
49CHAP. 40. (40.)—OF THE RISING OF THE DOG-STAR.
50CHAP. 41. (41.)—OF THE REGULAR INFLUENCE OF THE DIFFERENT SEASONS.

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