Learn to Read Latin Workbook [Paperback]

Andrew Keller (Author), Stephanie Russell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0300101945 | ISBN-13: 978-0300101942 | Publication Date: December 11, 2003 | Edition: Workbook

A Latin grammar and reader all in one, Learn to Read Latin presents basic Latin morphology and syntax with clear explanations and examples, and it offers direct access to great works of Latin literature even at the earliest stages of learning the language. As beginning students learn basic forms and grammar, they also gain familiarity with patterns of Latin word order and other features of style, thus becoming well prepared for later, more difficult texts. No other beginning Latin book contains unaltered versions of ancient texts. Learn to Read Latin includes the writings of such authors as Caesar, Cicero, Sallust, Catullus, Vergil, and Ovid, arranged chronologically and accompanied by introductions to each author and each work. These readings serve as the chief training texts around which the book's fifteen chapters are constructed. A workbook is also available, providing abundant drills for each chapter of the text. The workbook exercises can be used in the classroom, for homework assignments, for extra individual drill work, or as a home study tool.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Andrew Keller is associate professor of the classics at Colgate University. Stephanie Russell is a classics teacher at Collegiate School in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 500 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press; Workbook edition (December 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300101945
• ISBN-13: 978-0300101942
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #299,522 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astudent of Mrs. Russell's who uses the book, April 22, 2004

By 

Daren McGregor (Mount Vernon, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Learn to Read Latin Workbook (Paperback)

The book Learn to Read Latin is a great textbook for young Latin students. It teaches the language intuitively and moves at a steady pace which allows the student to understand the language. Conjugations, declensions, and other Latin syntax is all gone through systematically, as opposed to the confusing way that the Cambridge Course uses. The book also gives insight into, and information about, everyday Roman life through actual readings of Cicero, Sulla, and many other figures in Ancient Roman history. Lastly, I found that through the process of learning Latin, my ability to understand and use the English language was vastly improved. All in all, the textbook provides an excellent learning experience for anyone interested in learning Latin, whether on the beginner or advanced level.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A student of Dr. Russell who loves the book as much as class, April 15, 2004

By 

Debra Fine "jschneider106" (NYC, Collegiate School) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Learn to Read Latin Workbook (Paperback)

OK. after one year of Latin taught by Dr. Russel, her mantra whenever we didn't understand something was to "look in the book". Ya know what, it worked. She spent summers upon summers working on that text, and the polish and plainness of the wording in the textbook really shows. It is very easy to learn out of a book that tells you exactly what you need to know, and nothing extra, even when it explains every concept descriptively enough so you understand it. Though in one year of 8th Grade Latin I've only finished the first 6 chapters, I am confident that the last six will be just as enjoyable as the first.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It really is comprehensive, March 9, 2005

By 

William J. Simpson (Smyrna, TN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Learn to Read Latin Workbook (Paperback)

Learn to Read Latin certainly meets its promise of being "comprehensive". Between the book and workbook there is plenty of material for the independent learner or classroom to work with. The book and workbook are very attractive. The layout is generally quite clean, especially in paradigms and other tables. NB: The workbook is a must-buy if you want drills and exercises, as they are not contained in the textbook itself. The workbook is just as big as the textbook, and there are ample drills for every bit of grammar and vocabulary taught in the textbook. (This comes from a language learner who is always left begging for more exercises!) The workbook also contains excellent "handouts": reference sheets that the independent learner or the student can keep handy in his or her notebook. Furthermore, the workbook has its own morphology appendix and an English<>Latin lexicon identical to that of the textbook. In other words, you can do drills in the workbook even if you don't have the text handy! I really have to commend the authors on this. The only drawback is that the textbook will be a challenge if you have never learned a language before, especially if you've never had exposure to the classical languages. At times the authors go a little "overboard" with the grammatical and linguistic terms, but they do provide definites for every one. If you're looking for a light and easy introduction to Latin, you might prefer Wheelock's; but if you want a text that is mildly challenging and very thorough, Learn to Read Latin is an excellent choice. I would recommend this book for any high school or college course, and it will now be my first choice for my private Latin students!