Customer Reviews

Latin for Dummies

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I've always wanted to learn Latin so this is the first book I tried, as it looked fun and approachable. Well, I can tell you it does make Latin seem fun and an approachable language. I would recommend this book for the absolute beginner, who would otherwise not have access to Latin classes at school, university or otherwise, and wants to learn alone at home without feeling intimidated. Though presented in a light hearted way, the book's authors actually are Latin teachers in real life. While giving a basic and strong grounding in grammar and vocabulary, the humourous cartoons are hilariously funny and literary quotes and interesting snippets of historical information are included through the book. This book really makes you want to fall in love with Latin as a language. I'm very glad I picked this book as my starting point.

This book is designed for absolute beginners. Whether you're interested in mastering Latin language, or you'd like to get better insight in English, given the fact that more than half of English words have Latin roots, this book will introduce you to Latin in a light-hearted way.

You'll enjoy the book from cover to cover, as you learn not only some basics of Latin language, but also read many interesting stories about Roman customs and culture.

You will learn about some well-known writers, as well as the common Latin terms used in law, medicine, zoology, botany and church.

The authors have made sure not only to help you learn something, but also to keep you entertained with many humorous tidbits and an addition of fun and games to test your knowledge.

Excellent book . . . maybe, too good! I became so distracted by all of the fascinating cultural and language information, immediately reading all of the side-bars and "cultural wisdom" parts cover to cover, that I forgot to learn any Latin in the process. This auxliary information alone is well worth the price I paid for the book.
As for learning Latin, if I fail, the fault will be in my lack of knowledge of English grammar. This barrier has prevented easy access to other languages in the past. Perhaps I should search Amazon for a "Latin for Dumber than Dummies" (or, at least, start with "English Grammar for Dummies").

This was a great introduction to Latin for someone who has never studied it before. I have always wanted to learn Latin but really needed a starter course. The only problem is there is A LOT of information and they go through it quickly. I wouldn't recommend this book as the only one you read to learn Latin but it is a great introduction and overview. It is also very fun to read, not like an actual textbook. I am now moving on to Wheelock!

I need to learn both Spanish and French. Within a year I need to know just enough to get by. I felt that the task was a little high. A friend that speaks 9 languages made a suggest. Learn Latin first because it is the root of Spanish, French and English.
I have gone through the entire Latin course and I am now on to Spanish. Gee, am I glad I did the Latin first. My friend was right. I had tried to learn Spanish before and I was lost. By learning some Latin learning Spanish is now much easier.
I did the Rosetta Stone and read this book on the side. The two together make a great combination.

Latin For Dummies is very comprehesive as well as readable as all the "Dummies" guides strive to be. I actually have the privelege of having one of the contributing authors (Steve Perkins--he wrote the grammar sections) as my Latin teacher. He himself is very knowledgeable and we do use Latin for Dummies in class. It is a very great supplement to our school textbook and is used through all levels of instruction.

Five stars most definitely!

Salve! Try this book first before starting with the more official Wheelock's book. Even if you don't learn Latin you get to learn a lot of interesting facts about the Roman life and the origin of different words.

I have been struggling with Latin, and when I purchased this book alot of the terms began to make sense. This is good to be used as a reference with other texts. I used it with Wheelock to some success

Having carefully looked through many of the various simplified (Dummies style) books on Latin, I chose this one. It's a good introduction and entertaining. It won't teach you Latin, but you'll get a flavor of the subject. If you want to go farther, Wheelock's is a good choice in my opinion.

This is not the book you are going to learn latin from. If you are in for that kind of material you had better try Teach Yourself Beginner's Latin Audiopackage if you are a beginner who would also like to listen to a good approximation of the classical pronunciation, or Latin Via Ovid: A First Course Second Edition, if you are beginner but more ambitious, let's say your purpose is to read Harry Potter in Latin (Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Latin Edition).

But back to this book, which is a kind of collage of the Latin language: it lists the different areas of life where you can actually meet Latin words and expressions, helps you with cultural background, Latin jokes and short dialogues and yes, gives some elements of the language. To sum it up, a delicious side dish for learners of Latin or a cheese-board for those who are simply interested in classical education after a good meal.