Reading Latin: Grammar, Vocabulary and Exercises

Reading Latin

by Peter V. Jones, Keith C. Sidwell

Reading Latin is a Latin course designed to help mature beginners read Latin fluently and intelligently, primarily in the context of classical culture, but with some mediaeval Latin too. It does this in three ways; it encourages reading of continuous texts from the start; it offers generous help with translation at every stage; and it integrates the learning of Classical Latin with an appreciation of the influence of the Latin language upon English and European culture from Antiquity to the present.

The Text, richly illustrated, consists at the start of carefully graded adaptations from original Classical Latin texts. The adaptations are gradually phased out until unadulterated prose and verse can be read. The Grammar, Vocabulary and Exercises volume supplies all the help needed to do this, together with a range of reinforcing exercises for each section, including English into Latin for those who want it. At the end of each section, a selection of Latin epigrams, mottoes, quotations, everyday Latin, word-derivations, examples of mediaeval Latin and discussions of the influence of Latin upon English illustrate the language's impact on Western culture.

Reading Latin is principally designed for university and adult beginners, and also for sixth-formers (eleventh and twelfth graders in the USA). It is also ideal for those people who may have learned Latin many years ago, and with to renew their acquaintance with the language. Its companion course, Reading Greek (Cambridge University Press, 1978), is one of the most widely used mature beginners' courses in the world.

Genres: Language, Nonfiction, Reference, Textbooks, Classics, Linguistics, Academic

610 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Peter Jones (sometimes credited as Peter V. Jones) is a former lecturer in Classics at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, a writer and journalist. Jones has regularly written on Classics for major newspapers, and was awarded the MBE in 1983. He is a Cambridge graduate.

Jones' popular work has been focused on introducing new generations to Ancient Rome and Greece, from newspaper columns to crossword collections, popular non-fiction, and charitable organisations devoted to helping keep Classics subjects in schools.

Reviews

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good text for mature beginners or amateurs of Latin. Needs to be read in conjunction with the other two books in the series for full effect. Be warned though, while this isn't a "grammar first" book like 'Wheelock's Latin' (in many ways a relief), it should perhaps be supplemented by a real beginners course like Cambridge, that starts off a bit simpler and introduces grammar more naturally. Still, you can't beat this if you're studying alone, and particularly if you're interested in translation.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did learn to read Latin quickly with these, but not efficiently. I don't think they are formated to re-enforce principles learned as much as to force them to learn them on your own. Unfortunately these are the best available and I have no desire to write Latin textbooks. Zero.

[Jack Pyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The LGV&E starts with the very basics of Latin and builds gradually into conjugation and declension. A very good book to learn Latin if you're a mature student and being introduced to Latin for the first time.

[Kevin de Ataíde · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most helpful Latin grammar I've used so far. Lots of exercises and vocabulary. You should come out being able to read and understand at least S. Jerome's Vulgate.

[Douglas Chamberlain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although stimulating to read cover to cover occasionally doing some exercises, probably not the best way to improve my Latin as I would then forget it all. This book needs lots of practice and consolidation to make any progress with Latin language skills.