Introductory Russian Grammar (English and Russian Edition) [Hardcover]

Galina Stilman (Author), Leon Stilman (Author), William E. Harkins (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471007382 | ISBN-13: 978-0471007388 | Publication Date: June 20, 1972 | Edition: 2nd

Instructor's Manual, Tapes, and Workbook available.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Russian --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Instructor's Manual, Tapes, and Workbook available. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 538 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 2nd edition (June 20, 1972)
• Language: English, Russian
• ISBN-10: 0471007382
• ISBN-13: 978-0471007388
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #358,678 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still the Best Introductory Russian Textbook Available, May 10, 2003

By 

x (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introductory Russian Grammar (English and Russian Edition) (Hardcover)

This textbook by Stilman and Harkins is definitely my key resource for learning the Russian language. I have learned far more from this book than I did from the two conversationalist based texts that I used when studying Russian for two years at college. I'm convinced that any native speaker of English needs to learn Russian with a rigorous approach to learning the grammar, because the case differentiation is so crucial and difficult to master. This book is a first year Russian textbook, so it will be good for the introductory student as well as for someone who has some familiarity with the language. The lessons are clearly and logically presented with excellent explanations of Russian grammar, clear and concise declension charts, and extremely useful pattern sentences (in Russian and in English translation) that illustrate the principal grammatical objectives that are emphasized in each chapter. This allows the student to be cognizant of grammar while also developing an internal sensibility to the natural syntax and rhythm of the language. This textbook teaches you not only useful phrases, but also explains why, grammatically, they have to be in a particular form. This is essential for really learning the language. Stilman and Harkins also infuse the chapters with useful vocabulary words that can be learned quickly due to their organized approach to the lesson plans.

Even though this book needs to be revised and updated (this edition, even though it is still in print, is the edition originally published in 1972), this is by far the best textbook for learning the Russian language that exists. I hope instructors begin using this user-friendly text again, because it is ideal for classroom use as well as for students' independent studies. This book is so well planned that students can easily read ahead of their classroom lesson plans and not feel lost, because Stilman and Harkins teach the readers everything they will need to know in order to read and write correctly in Russian.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Look No Further..It's The Best, October 19, 2004

By 

M. G. Anderson "Roosky Student" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introductory Russian Grammar (English and Russian Edition) (Hardcover)

I have a collection of over 20 college textbooks for studying Russian. Without a doubt this is the best ... by far of any textbook encountered. Yes, by far. Very concise, logical, with many pattern sentance excercises which are in English & Russian. The grammar charts and tables in this book are absolutely wonderful. Maybe 5% of the vocabulary is outdated in use due to the changeover from Soviet times; but if you wish to learn Russian as an English speaker then grammar is first and foremost. I have NEVER before written a critique on any book, but this exemplary textbook deserves any homage given. This textbook covers approximately 2 years of college Russian. Good Luck!!!!!!!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Solid Introduction to the Russian Language, August 16, 2007

By 

Jan Peczkis "Scholar and Thinker" (Chicago IL, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Introductory Russian Grammar (English and Russian Edition) (Hardcover)

I first used this book when I took four years of Russian in high school more than 30 years ago, and have kept this book for reference all these years.

This book begins with the Russian alphabet and simple words, showing the learner how to pronounce them and how to write them in both print and cursive. There are written drills of progressively greater difficulty. There are also blocs of paragraphs depicting ordinary conversation in Russian.

The cases used in Russian are covered, along with the usages of each: locative, genitive, dative, instrumental, and nominative. Subsequent chapters build on the usage of these cases.

Every chapter end has a section on vocabulary, common expression, and a short review of previously-covered content. There is a Russian-English and English-Russian glossary at the end of the book. There is also an index of pertinent grammatical forms and manner of usage (e. g., the days of the week, verbs of riding, expressions of sickness, and many others). The content of the book also gives brief insight into such things as Russian geography, Russian writers, etc.