Words and Ideas [Paperback]

William J. Dominik (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0865164851 | ISBN-13: 978-0865164857

Unlike most etymology textbooks, this one presents the words studied in the context of the ideas in which the words functioned. Instead of studying endless lists of word roots, suffixes, and prefixes in isolation, the words are enlivened by the social, literary, and cultural media in which they were used. Readers are introduced to a wide variety of topics from classical antiquity, entertained by clever cartoons, and are able to practice their word knowledge with exercises.

Special Features

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An etymology textbook that also introduces students to a wide variety of topics in classical antiquity

Chapters on Mythology, Medicine, Politics and Law, Commerce and Economics, Philosophy and Psychology, History

Introduction to word building
Exercises throughout
Illustrations of ancient artifacts
Clever cartoons on word origins
Glossary of English words and phrases

For over 30 years Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers has produced the highest quality Latin and ancient Greek books. From Dr. Seuss books in Latin to Plato's Apology, Bolchazy-Carducci's titles help readers learn about ancient Rome and Greece; the Latin and ancient Greek languages are alive and well with titles like Cicero's De Amicitia and Kaegi's Greek Grammar. We also feature a line of contemporary eastern European and WWII books.

Some of the areas we publish in include:

Selections From The Aeneid
Latin Grammar & Pronunciation
Greek Grammar & Pronunciation
Texts Supporting Wheelock's Latin
Classical author workbooks: Vergil, Ovid, Horace, Catullus, Cicero
Vocabulary Cards For AP Selections: Vergil, Ovid, Catullus, Horace
Greek Mythology
Greek Lexicon
Slovak Culture And History

Product Details

• Paperback: 281 pages
• Publisher: Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers (December 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0865164851
• ISBN-13: 978-0865164857
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #647,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Benefits of the Classics for All, August 31, 2003

By 

"wumouse" (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words and Ideas (Paperback)

This interactive book brings the enhanced vocabulary from studying Greek or Latin to everyone. Having taken Latin throughout high school, I find myself frequently using that Latin vocabulary to figure out the meanings of unfamiliar English words. From passing entrance exams to reading literature, knowing word roots is infinitely useful.

Words & Ideas builds vocabulary by explaining Latin and Greek roots of words in the context that they are used. First, the book teaches readers to identify roots, with derivatives, charts to fill in, and even clever comic strips. Later, the roots are grouped into sections such as "medicine," "commerce and economics," and "history," not only defining the roots, but also providing historical background and humorous anecdotes, along with websites that have more information. I heartily applaud the organization of this book-having the roots grouped by context, rather than alphabetically or randomly. This way, they are taught just how they will later be seen, in related sets. Moreover, the glimpses into Roman and Greek culture encourage readers not only to recognize and define the roots of words, but also to put these terms in better context. This is an innovative approach to vocabulary building, introducing roots in related groups.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful!, March 22, 2011

By 

portugeemike09 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words and Ideas (Paperback)

I used this book for my classics class at UC Riverside. It was very helpful and all the info in this book helped me achieve a high grade. I will be starting Latin in the Fall. I know this book helped me prepare for the Latin series.