A Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: Ars Poetica, Trojan War, Samuel Johnson (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

`What should go into such a work nowadays is hard to assess and M. seems to have got it about right. I have been keeping an eye open over the last few months for Latin tags, and those in what may be reckoned current use he has identified.' Roland Mayer, The Classical Review Vol.XLIX No.2

Product Description

This authoritative and highly browsable guide provides an enlightening account of the meaning and history of Latin words and phrases that have entered the English language. Readers will find over 1000 phrases, sayings, mottoes, and proverbs, translated with examples of usage and fascinating citations and explanations of their first occurrence. A detailed A-Z appendix lists all Latin authors from Augustine to Virgil, together with details of their life and work. A thematic index offers immediate access to the maxims and phrases relating to such topics as death, betrayal, gossip, love, and money.
A Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases will be an entertaining and instructive source of information for word lovers of all varieties, from the crossword aficionado to speech-writers, historians, literature buffs, the savvy general reader, and anyone properly curious about Latin's influence on English.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Later Printing edition (December 3, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198601093
• ISBN-13: 978-0198601098
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #176,450 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most interesting Latin words, mottoes, and sayings, June 23, 2005

By	John Hancock (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews

Should we say, indispensable for the literate man?

This excellent Oxford edition is comprehensive, with an index related to particular subjects, and, as a bonus, includes clear translations and pronunciation guidance! Ever more important is the context. The sources from history and literature are annotated.

Mottoes: "The Royal Air Force, the American dollar, Henry VIII, Oxford University, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer are just a few of the institutions carrying inspiring and often fanciful mottoes."

Proverbs: "Familiar and amusing proverbs are included and easily found in a separate listing."

Highly recommended for every writer, every author, every journalist, every child, every desk, every cubicle, and every computer station!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A users response for a Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases, March 15, 2006

By	Mr. Antony P. Webb (Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased the book as a tool to assist in understanding some latin phrases. Whilst contempory writings may not include much latin; those of yesteryear expect the reader to have a basic grasp of latin.
The book also has (English) topics that can be cross referenced to the appropriate latin words and phrases.
The book does not intend to be totally comprehensive and it delivers on what is promised; namely common latin words and phrases.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Deskside Latin Companion, June 26, 2007

By	Kevin MacG Adams (Norfolk, Virginia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

With little training in Latin I was in need of a concise book to decipher the most basic Latin phrases in use today.

This is it!