Product Description

Reading Latin is a Latin course designed to help mature beginners read Latin fluently and intelligently, primarily in the context of classical culture, but with some mediaeval Latin too. It does this in three ways; it encourages reading of continuous texts from the start; it offers generous help with translation at every stage; and it integrates the learning of Classical Latin with an appreciation of the influence of the Latin language upon English and European culture from Antiquity to the present. The text, richly illustrated, consists at the start of carefully graded adaptations from original Classical Latin texts. The adaptations are gradually phased out until unadultered prose and verse can be read. The Grammar, Vocabulary and Exercises volume supplies all the help needed to do this, together with a range of reinforcing exercises for each section, including English into Latin for those who want it. At the end of each section, a selection of Latin epigrams, mottoes, quotations, everyday Latin, word-derivations, examples of mediaeval Latin and discussions of the influence of Latin upon English illustrate the language’s impact on Western culture. Reading Latin is principally designed for university and adult beginners, and also for sixth-formers (eleventh and twelth graders in the USA). It is also ideal for those people who may have learned Latin many years ago, and wish to renew their acquaintance with the language. Its companion course, Reading Greek is one of the most widely used mature beginners’ courses in the world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #140278 in Books
• Published on: 1986-08-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 640 pages

Customer Reviews

Perhaps the Worst-Organised Latin Grammar Book Ever
As someone who studied Latin for five years in my youth and picked it back up again in adulthood, trust me when I saw that this is quite possibly the most badly-organised Latin grammar text ever written. It jumps incomprehensibly through case use and is an absolute disgrace for teaching vocabulary.

This book's presentation is incredibly confusing -- even to someone who was rated fluent in Latin a few years back and just needed a refresher.

Stay away from it if you can, but be warned -- you'll be required to use this book if you study A297 through the Open University.

Get something older (from the 60s or 70s if you can) for a simpler, saner version of Latin grammar.

Detailed but poorly written
I obtained this book as I am doing the Open University A297 Latin course. Initially I was quite impressed by the detail in the book, and certainly if you have the time this will teach you Latin to a very high standard.

However a number of points go against it. The book does not contain the answers to the exercises it sets, and unless you enrole on A297 you will not be able to get them. More importantly it is very badly written in places, which is inexcuseable in a book that is supposed to teaching you read and understand another language.

My advice buy a different Latin text book.

Good for Adult learners, but they will still need guidance
This was the book I used to take my GCSE Latin course at evening class. (It is accompanied by a separate book of texts). Definitely intended for adults rather than schoolchildren, it is an extremely thorough and detailed course that will take the user, if they get right through to the end, up to or at least approaching A Level standard. The tone is quite dry and the layout not a little daunting, so it's probably best used in a classroom, or at least with the aid of a teacher (ie. it's not really a DIY book).

There are some drawbacks. Firstly, the vocab at the back is divided into two parts: basic vocab and advanced vocab. Why anyone would find this separation useful is a mystery. Secondly, the authors introduce deponent verbs at great length *before* mentioning the passive voice, which just seems the wrong way round. Thirdly, the paperback binding is not sturdy enough to cope with the kind of repeated thumbing through that books like this must endure if they are to be used properly. I had to sellotape the spine of my copy to keep it from falling apart.

You'll find a different perspective in the book "Annus Horribilis: Latin for Everyday Life", ISBN 0752442848