Learn to Read Latin [Paperback]

Andrew Keller (Author), Stephanie Russell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0300102151 | ISBN-13: 978-0300102154 | Publication Date: December 1, 2003 | Edition: 1St Edition

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 15 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

From the Back Cover

"This book offers an excellent introduction to Latin, significantly improving upon Wheelock's Latin and other existing textbooks that follow a grammar-oriented approach."-John F. Miller, University of Virginia

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; 1St Edition edition (December 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300102151
• ISBN-13: 978-0300102154
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #341,870 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solving a problem..., October 13, 2004

By 

Lee Fratantuono (Irving, TX, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

Despite the resurgence of popularity of Latin in high schools and colleges, materials for learning real classical Latin have not always been satisfactory. Too often the student has been left with a serious shock when s/he moves from elementary into intermediate and advanced Latin. Keller and Russell's "Learn to Read Latin" solves that major problem in Latin pedagaogy. In fact, a highly motivated student who successfully completed this entire 15-unit course could aspire to enter an advanced level Latin course, entirely bypassing the usual "intermediate" level. How does this book manage to do that? For starters, the vocabulary notes actually explain the nuances of meanings found in authentic Latin texts. The chapters often include supplements on such things as Roman names, the scansion of Latin poetry, archaic forms found in certain authors, even the colloquial Latin greetings and interjections so frequent in Roman comedy. While most elementary Latin courses are very far removed from the world of real Latin texts, Keller and Russell's volume embraces it. Some may complain that the book is too hard (as if Latin is "easy" to master)...but with appropriate pacing for the level (high school, college, intensive work, self-study), this book should be usable by any aspiring Latin student. Unlike many modern textbooks, the book is beautifully printed and bound. As a professor of classics, I can't see how there are any other choices now for elementary Latin in serious competition with this course.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Latin Text, February 25, 2004

By A Customer

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

Finally, a text book worthy of the language! Learn to Read Latin is the best Latin textbook out there, and don't let stodgy traditionalists or snake-oil salesmen tell you differently. LEARN TO READ LATIN prepares students quickly to read real Latin with its excellent grammatical excercises and explanations. Nearly every chapter has actual passages of real Latin that students can read with little assistance. Most people learn Latin TO READ LATIN. As obvious as this may seem, most of the textbooks out there don't prepare students young or old for the ultimate reward of reading Latin authors in their original text. Texts like Ecce, Oxford, and Cambridge prepare students for nothing else but to read made up stories using the most obscure vocabulary. The greatest folly in modern Latin pedagogy is the attempt to mimic the instruction of modern foreign languages. Students may delight in learning how to say "fork" or "kitchen" in Latin, but when will they encounter these words in Caesar or Cicero? NEVER. If you are interested in mastering Latin, BUY THIS BOOK!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just a quick note., December 17, 2007

By 

A. Hartle (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Learn to Read Latin (Hardcover)

This is the book that my university chose for new students to use. I think it has worked well for most people. A quick note though, if you plan to carry this book around with you (if you are a student) GET THE HARDCOVER. I have yet to meet a second year student whose paperback is not in two(2) completely seperate pieces.