Artes Latinae, Part I (Book/Cassette Course) [Audio Cassette]

Waldo E. Sweet (Author)

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Audio-Forum; Pap/Cas edition (April 1997)
• Language: Latin
• ISBN-10: 0884321525
• ISBN-13: 978-0884321521
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.2 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,640,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning can be fun., December 29, 2000

By 

Atheen M. Wilson "Atheen" (Mpls, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Artes Latinae, Part I (Book/Cassette Course) (Audio Cassette)

Before the advent of computer learning was even on the horizon, there was the programed learning text. One of the most useful purposes to which it was put was language learning, and Drs Sweet and Sonkowski have produced among the most satisfying ways to learn Latin by using it. The books and cassettes have been around since the 70's when I first ran into them while working on my MA in ancient history. I truely enjoyed the course and learned amazingly well, certainly better than I did most of the other languages I took, with the possible exception of Egyptian heiroglyphics. I review from time to time, not because I use it but because I enjoy the endevour, and Latin is what I enjoy reviewing the most, probably because the programed format is so easy to get into again. One nice thing about this series is that it now comes in a CD form so you can work with it on a computer. The text is on screen and the cassettes are now part of it, making the visual, textual, and auditory inputs a more completely integrated experience. As another reviewer points out, however, the entire series, in whatever its format, is not cheap. It is never-the-less definitely a keeper, and therefore worth it. I still have some of the original series after almost 25 years. How many other books can one say that about?

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Latin for the struggling beginner., December 5, 2000

By 

Jim Kasi (Hershey, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Artes Latinae, Part I (Book/Cassette Course) (Audio Cassette)

This is the way to learn Latin!

If you are interested in the language of the Romans but were intimidated by its never ending declensions and conjunctions this is the course for you.

Over the years I have purchased a number of Latin books in an effort to learn Latin. I was near giving-up when I stumbled on "Artes Latinae" by Mr. Sweet and cohorts. This course probably comes the closest to the natural learning of a language possible. You get to LIVE WITH the language. To me that is extremely important. You don't learn a concept or word one day and forget it the next.

The structure of the course is simple. Simple sentences are broken-down by structure and vocabulary. All words and structural parts of the sentence are explained, examples and quizzes given, and IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK supplied. Core concepts and vocabulary are summarized at the end of each chapter. One of its greatest aspects is the constant review you receive in later chapters. When you least expect it, you are asked questions from previous chapters. This review technique helps to ingrain concepts and vocabulary. The audio cassettes are invaluable for correct Latin pronunciation and are integral to the course structure. The cassettes are used continuously and effectively.

Some intelligencia may think the format is to simple. However, you can proceed at your own pace. The quicker you are at learning in general the faster you can proceed. If you want to proceed at a more leisure pace you may do so. I personally take my time, fitting the course around my other activities. But before you know it, you WILL possess a solid UNDERSTANDING and a more significant VOCABULARY of the Latin language than you ever thought possible.

The only drawback may be it's price. By the time you have purchased all four courses you have spent a not insignificant sum. However, it is worth it. Take the plunge! Skip the other books and college courses and do this first! Those other books will be a breeze to read and understand after completing "Artes Latinae". Ave Imperator!