Customer Reviews

Latin Proverbs: Wisdom from Ancient to Modern Times (Artes Latinae)

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

 

 

With 1,188 proverbs, in English and Latin, this little book serves as a source of inspiration and reflection. I was amazed that these words, written in ancient times, still hold true today. The advice about relationships and human nature caused me to reexamine my own worldview and interactions. The wry jokes written then transcend the barrier of time. Moreover, the index of topics lists the quotes by appropriate keyword, so I could look up what authors thought about a certain topic. The back of the book also provides the means to reference these quotes by author and works quoted.

And unlike many other books of ancient words, Latin Proverbs holds true to these words, without any modern interpretation or analysis. The reader is free to ponder the wisdom of the ancients without filters or suggestion. This book contains the phrases that have withstood the test of time, bringing us insight from the ancients that demonstrate the shared bonds of the human condition.

Will be looking for more books like this for different Countries with Proverbs and Wisdom of the area. Will be looking to this store to find what I am looking for.

Anyone interested in etymology and the origins of basic phrases commonly used in the English language will love this book. Essential "truths" taught through the ages, like "experience teaches," "Cupid hates a sloth," and "the poor man sings before the robber on the highway" take on a deeper meaning, when we are aware of their ancient origins in the Latin language. This little book is a must read for those who love the classics and are convinced that Latin is indeed alive in this 21st century.

Proverbs are listed in no particular. Needing to find "Dulce et decorum est ....", I had no choice but to thumb through the
1188 entries on 256 pages. Not there. Had I known that the author was Horatius, I would only have had to search his 30 or so entries spread over 30 or so pages, to no avail. With random order, and with no index besides the authors' names, this book was a waste of money. I'm sending it back.