Wheelock's Latin Reader, 2e: Selections from Latin Literature (The Wheelock's Latin Series) [Paperback]

Richard A. LaFleur (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0060935065 | ISBN-13: 978-0060935061 | Publication Date: July 31, 2001 | Edition: 2

Originally intended by Professor Frederic M. Wheelock as a sequel to Wheelock's Latin, his classic introductory Latin textbook, Wheelock's Latin Reader, newly revised and updated by Richard A. LaFleur, is the ideal text for any intermediate-level Latin course. You'll find a rich selection of of prose and poetry from a wide range of classical authors, as well as briefer passages from medieval and Late Latin writers, each presented in the Latin in which it was originally written. Useful features include extensive notes; a complete Latin-English vocabulary; maps of ancient Italy, Greece, and the Roman Empire; and numerous photographs illustrating aspects of classical culture, mythology, and history featured in the readings.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: Latin

About the Author

Richard A. LaFleur is Franklin Professor of Classics and former Head of Classics at the University of Georgia; he has served as Editor of the Classical Outlook and President of the American Classical League, and is a recipient of the American Philological Association's national award for excellence in the teaching of Classics. Among his numerous books are the revised editions of Wheelock's Latin, Workbook for Wheelock's Latin, and Wheelock's Latin Reader.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Collins Reference; 2 edition (July 31, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060935065
• ISBN-13: 978-0060935061
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #282,444 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mrs., March 7, 2003

By 

Philo Dendron "Philo Dendron" (Cyberspace, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wheelock's Latin Reader, 2e: Selections from Latin Literature (The Wheelock's Latin Series) (Paperback)

The Wheelock series gets better every year as new anciallaries are developed. Dr. Grote's Comprehensive Guide make it accessible to students who lack the background presumed by the textbook itself, the workbook's graded exercises provide abundant reiforcement to the grammar and vocabulary, and now the new reader promises to assist in bridging the gap between "textbook Latin" and "real Latin."

Those who criticize the traditional pedagogical methods miss the point of studying ancient languages. Classical langugages are not studied with the goal of conversing in the language, but with the twofold goal of gaining a reading knowledge of our culture's foundational texts and of developing orderly, logical thinking. These goals are most effectivly reached through learning highly inflected languages in the traditioal manner; this is not opinion -- it has been well documented by studies conducted by the American Classical League (which has no financial interest in promoting any one textbook).

Having taught Latin for over ten years, from junior high to university, using a wide variety of textbooks, I say with conviction that the entertainment value of trendy texts is no match for the profound intellectual pleasure students (and teachers) derive from mastery of the difficult. If you want to keep students in your Latin program and simultaneously provide them intellectual tools that carry over into other disciplines, set them a reasonable challenge. The Wheelock is one of the best means of stretching students without breaking them. Hats off to Drs LaFleur, Comeau, and Grote for their splendid contributions to the Wheelock tradition.

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, June 22, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Wheelock's Latin Reader, 2e: Selections from Latin Literature (The Wheelock's Latin Series) (Paperback)

This is an excellent intermediate reader. The selections (From Cicero, Livy, Ovid, Pliny and various Medieval sources, including the Vulgate) are quite long, so one gets a feel for the style of each author. The readings are all engaging, the four selections from Ovid in particular.
There is a complete vocabulary list in the back, and there are facing-page notes that gloss less common words or forms or provide grammatical or historical information. The level of help feels just about right--sufficient, but hands-off enough to allow the student to take the initiative.
Incidentally, some of the reviewers here seem to have the original Wheelock's Latin in mind. This book, again, is a reader, suited to those who have completed that beginning Latin book or its equivalent.

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The way to learn Latin, January 21, 2003

By 

Sceadugenga "derekma" (Auburn, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wheelock's Latin Reader, 2e: Selections from Latin Literature (The Wheelock's Latin Series) (Paperback)

The Wheelock Series is simply the best. After being a Classicist for well over 20 years, I still use them myself and recommend them to anyone who is SERIOUSLY interesting in the language. Experience has shown that the traditional methodology of learning grammar and syntax is still the best. Don't waste your time or money on the New Age warm and fuzzy propaganda of 'see and say'. Learn Latin the correct way, and it is a treasure which you will have for a lifetime.