On Happiness - Arcturus Ornate Classics by Epicurus Hardcover

Book Synopsis

This elegant pocket hardback edition presents Epicurus' classic philosophical text on the pursuit of happiness, featuring gold cover embossing and gilded page-edges.

On Happiness contains the Greek philosopher's teachings about life and death, religion and science, happiness, friendship and morality. His views were influential on later scientists and philosophers, such as Isaac Newton, Thomas Hobbes and Karl Marx, given his thoughts on the value of scientific observation as the only way to prove theories and also his promotion of the idea that living a simple, modest life was the way to happiness.

This handsome pocket-sized gift edition includes an insightful introduction by Professor Nicholas Gooding and is presented with an embossed cover design; ivory pages; beautifully designed endpapers and gold gilded page edges. Part of the Arcturus Ornate Classics series; this book makes wonderful gift for any lover of classic literature.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Ornate Classics are beautifully bound editions of iconic literary works across history. These compact, foil-embossed hardbacks are printed using deluxe ivory paper and make the perfect gift.

About the Author

Epicurus (341-270 BC) was a Greek philosopher who believed that the purpose of philosophy was to find the key to a happy and peaceful life, one free from fear and pain. He was born on the Aegean island of Samos and studied with the teacher Pamphilus. After completing a period of military service, he became a teacher in Mytilene. He founded a school in Lampsacus and then one in Athens in 306 BC, where he lives for the remainder of his life. He aided the study of science through his advocacy of the idea that nothing could be believed unless it was tested and observed.

Nicholas Gooding (introducer) received his PhD in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2019, writing a dissertation on Aristotle's discussion of love and friendship; since then, he's been an instructor in philosophy at Berkeley and a visiting professor at Deep Springs College. He's taught courses on a wide range of philosophical topics, with a particular emphasis on moral and political philosophy. Prior to embarking on his PhD, Nicholas worked in outdoor education, leading high school students on month-long backcountry trips in the Pacific Northwest.