Product Description

A Comprehensive Russian Grammar provides a definitive guide to current Russian usage, taking many of its examples from the press and contemporary literary sources.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #74104 in Books
• Published on: 2000-05-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 632 pages

Review
"With the additions of a helpful glossary and of a major section on word formation in the Russian noun, Terence Wade′s Comprehensive Russian Grammar, already the best reference book of its kind, has, in its second edition, become even more useful for students of Russian." Barry P. Scherr, Professor of Russian, Dartmouth College

"Students (and other readers) will now have quick and easy access to some of the finer (and very tricky) points of Russian language, in addition to very solid and thorough materials which already make up the Grammar." Margaret Tejerizo, Lecturer in Russian Language and Literature, University of Glasgow

Reviews of the First Edition:

"The coverage and fresh, interesting examples make Wade′s grammar attractive . . . It will certainly be a standard reference work over the next fifty years." The Slavonic Review

"The most complete, accurate and authoritative English–language refernece grammar of Russian ever published." Choice

From the Back Cover
A Comprehensive Russian Grammar provides a definitive guide to current Russian usage, taking many of its examples from the press and contemporary literary sources. Since it was first published in 1992, the book has become the standard reference work for students and professionals alike and is used as the basis for Russian language teaching across the English–speaking world.

The new edition draws on feedback from users of the first edition to build on its existing strengths. Sections dealing with all parts of speech have been modified or supplemented, with pronunciation, the noun, the adjective, the verb and the preposition most affected. There are entirely new substantial sections on word formation in the Russian noun. Elements of post–Soviet vocabulary have been introduced to reflect changes in usage. The Second Edition also contains an expanded bibliography and a glossary of linguistic terms.

About the Author
Terence Wade was Professor Emeritus and Research Fellow in Russian Studies at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow utnil his death in 2005. His previous books include Prepositions in Modern Russian, Russian Etymological Dictionary, The Russian Language Today (with Larissa Ryazanova–Clarke) and A Russian Grammar Workbook, companion volume to A Comprehensive Russian Grammar (Blackwell Publishers).

Customer Reviews

Essential for anyone using Russian
At the time of publication, this had been the first in-depth study of the Russian language for English speakers to appear in decades. Despite Offord having since written two excellent works (Using Russian, and An Advanced Grammar Course - also essential), I still rate this the most important grammar for anyone serious in learning the language.

The layout is extremely user-friendly, and whilst not aimed at beginners, the explanations are very clear. A major distinction from previous Russian grammars is a more widespread use of examples from modern sources (newspapers, TV etc) rather than solely classic literature.

Particularly impressive is the treatment of prepositions, which are categorised by basic meaning (eg spatial, temporal etc), rather than case government. In addition, few other grammars have given sufficient space to the treatment of particles, which, for English speakers is probably the most difficult aspect of Russian to master.

Overall, for what has seemingly become the template for most Slavonic Grammars that have since been published, this book is essential.

Essential for serious students
If you're serious about studying Russian and progressing to an advanced level, this is an essential and invaluable grammar. Designed primarily for degree-level Russian, 'A Comprehensive Russian Grammar', like the other books in the series, covers almost every grammar rule, intricacy and exception, using numerous examples (many taken from contemporary and literary sources) and clear outlines. As a reference, it is a powerful tool for achieving an accuracy that other grammars lack.

Whilst not for the faint-hearted or beginner, Wade deals with a number of minor grammar points that other grammars overlook. If you're serious about Russian, and eager to get the grammar absolutely right, this is for you. The benchmark for modern language reference grammars

No stone left unturned - thoroughly comprehensive
This must be the most accessible and comprehensive of any Russian grammar on the market, still the standard work amongst a clutch of more recently published simplified, 'easy learner' grammars. No stone is left unturned in the language, and the helpfully numbered sections of clear, straightforward explanations and solid examples (many taken from Russian literature) are supported by reams of footnotes and the grammatical exceptions and oddities any serious student will relish. The language of each explanation is practical and not cluttered, and each point is easy to understand in its own right, as well as placed nicely into the context of the wider unit it sits in.

It is a grammar that serves equally well as a course companion or a 'dip-in' reference book. For teachers, the numbering will no doubt prove useful for setting independent study / homework lists. The indexed companion workbook which is available is excellent for giving you a structured roadmap to make your way through the grammar. The companion workbook can be found here: A Russian Grammar Workbook (Blackwell Reference Grammars)

Wholeheartedly recommended for any serious student of Russian or comparative grammar.