From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Lemma.
Lucrèce is the French name of Lucretius; “his Lucretius” uses the author’s name for the volume Brotteaux carries and reads. The opening does not name a particular book title, so the lexicon should not pretend that a title is printed there. Its immediate function is practical recreation in adversity: the book is in the gaping pocket of his worn coat, beside a life sustained by glue, paper and string. Philosophy is an occupation and resource, not merely an attributed doctrinal label.
Places to read
- Chapter II, paragraph 8Frenchson Lucrèce, qu’il portait constamment: an author’s name standing for a carried volume. Brotteaux reads for recreation while preserving serenity in misfortune.