Suggested Books for the Next Step After Introductory Texts

    There’s pretty widespread agreement here about Emily Austin’s book as a fine introductory text for modern readers, and respect for Catherine Wilson’s efforts despite cogent criticism. And Hiram Crespo’s book, though perhaps more so-called “neo-Epicurean” (or “Epicurean/Humanist”?) I think is also a good modern introduction.

    But where to go next among modern writers – a next step into a more intermediate-level book? DeWitt, I guess. But I want to suggest two for newer Epicureans who want to take that next step (in no real order):

    Dimitriadis, Haris. EPICURUS and THE PLEASANT LIFE: A Philosophy of Nature Kindle Edition – November 30, 2022 - Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition.

    And Cassius Amicus, ELEMENTAL EPICUREANISM: The Core Texts of Epicureanism, 2013.

    Both are available on Kindle, and Cassius’ book, especially, can be a continuing resource.

    "We must try to make the end of the journey better than the beginning, as long as we are journeying; but when we come to the end, we must be happy and content." (Vatican Saying 48)

    Ha and now I get to disagree with Pacatus for sure :)

    Yes I agree that Haris' book is good and I recommend it. Haris and I have been on friendly terms for years but I regret not nearly as closely as we should have. I think Haris' viewpoint is largely consistent with what people will read here on this forum from the majority.

    As to my older books I really need to pull them from circulation they are so old and in need of updating. At the time I was working with them I was in a pure "compilation" mode and I was mainly experimenting with being sure that the texts i thought were important were easily available in free format. That's now no longer an issue and I really should revise them, but for now I need to prioritize my time and the podcast and our discussions here seem more important in superceding those old epubs.

    Thanks for the kind words and I do think we need to expand the reading list. But at least now we can say to those who read Emily Wilson and DeWitt - "Read the forum for further ideas."

    Far be it from me to ever disagree with Cassius! ;)

    I think Elemental Epicureanism is still sufficiently current as a next-step, and continuing, resource – and for reading off-line.

    As for updating, I always thought that your Ante Oculos is worth updating for sure – and maybe moving it from just an e-book (which, for technical reasons, I have more difficulty reading these days) to a Kindle format. (Not trying to promote Kindle here – just that it is my most easily readable format these days.) :)

    "We must try to make the end of the journey better than the beginning, as long as we are journeying; but when we come to the end, we must be happy and content." (Vatican Saying 48)