Product Description

A Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases is a handy reference for all kinds of writing, as well as an absorbing collection of phrases, mottoes, proverbs and sayings. This new dictionary offers a fresh look at a language which has retained its influence and colour. Thematic index A comprehensive index will take you to all the words and phrases relating to a particular subject, covering everything from ambition, beauty, and courage to war and wisdom. More than just words and phrases Along with clear translations and pronunciation guidance, sources from literature and history are annotated with fascinating descriptions and explanations that place the phrases in context. Mottoes of countries and famous people and institutions The American dollar, Henry VIII, Oxford University and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer are just a few of the inspiring and sometimes ironic mottoes. Proverbs Familiar and amusing proverbs are included and easily found in a separate index. Includes literary examples An A-Z listing of all Latin authors cited includes outlines of their lives and works.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18500 in Books
• Published on: 1998-03-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Synopsis
"A Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases" is a handy reference for all kinds of writing, as well as an absorbing collection of phrases, mottoes, proverbs and sayings. This new dictionary offers a fresh look at a language which has retained its influence and colour. It includes a thematic index - a comprehensive index will take you to all the words and phrases relating to a particular subject, covering everything from ambition, beauty, and courage to war and wisdom. It features more than just words and phrases - along with clear translations and pronunciation guidance, sources from literature and history are annotated with fascinating descriptions and explanations that place the phrases in context. It contains mottoes of countries and famous people and institutions, such as the American dollar, Henry VIII, Oxford University and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer are just a few of the inspiring and sometimes ironic mottoes. It also includes proverbs - familiar and amusing proverbs are included and easily found in a separate index, along with literary examples - an A-Z listing of all Latin authors cited includes outlines of their lives and works.

About the Author
Formerly Head of Classics at Harrow, James Morwood is a Fellow at Wadham College and Grocyn Lecturer for the Literae Humaniores Faculty.

Customer Reviews

A great book but not quite a dictionary of words.
For me a dictionary of words would list every word alphabetically with the meaning of the word. This however is a dictionary of phrases from which you can deduce what each word means, such as lupus in fabula (the wolf in the story) and lupus pilum mutat, non mentem (the wolf changes his coat, not his character), in this case lupus clearly means wolf.

This is still a good book and will certainly help greatly, it has a pronunciation guide but no grammar guide and it's hard to see how far into the language this book will take me.

If you want a book that lists all the commonly used Latin phrases then this is for you, if you want to learn Latin then this book should be supplemented which another that actually teaches you the language and proper grammar.

Really useful
Can explain familiar and less encountered latin phrases. You can link them with English and is also helpful if you're learning Italian or French. Knowledge of etymology is so useful when you're trying to deconstruct grammar of an unfamiliar language.

sapere aude - dare to be wise
It's easy to approach a book on a “dead” language with a feeling of scepticism about its usefulness or interest. However, the enduring mass appeal of Rome's classical period is evidenced by the recent mass media success of the epic Gladiator film and the launch of BBC/HBO's Rome series on TV both sides of the Atlantic. Anyone who has come to this page with even a passing interest in the Latin language and the ways of ancient Rome should persevere and hit the buy now button - you won't be disappointed.

This book is immediately accessible with alphabetical listings of its quotes, usually accompanied by a brief description of the origins of the phrase and current usage/appearance in everyday English. A general index of quotes by topics - eg Love, Time, Rage and even a section on famous mottoes enhances the usefulness of this book. If you are ever stuck for a word or phrase to express how you are feeling, pick up this book - you may be surprised how often the English translation is as succinct as its Latin counterpart.

There is also a preface on Latin pronunciation and a concise section on the Latin writers to further enhance the reader’s understanding of the culture and sub-text of the time.

In summary this book will be appeal to anyone who has an interest in Rome, the culture of the time, the Latin language or even the evolution of our own language. It is accessible to anyone regardless of whether your previous Latin experience has been reading Asterix the Gaul or Caeser’s De Bello Gallico; and equally as rewarding to both readers.