Short Latin Stories

by Philip Dunlop

A range of Latin passages for translation and comprehension. Short Latin Stories features comprehension questions and passages translated into English help with understanding. Suitable for GCSE and AS and A level students.

Paperback

First published August 13, 1987

Reviews

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent like all the Cambridge materials. The witty, thought-provoking stories gradually increase in difficulty. Very enjoyable to read one or two as daily Latin practice. The author selected lesser-known stories adapted from a variety of sources like myth, history, and traditional tales; almost all were new to me.

Just the right amount of background information and vocabulary definitions (as opposed to Steadman who gives too much, in my opinion.) According to the author, a word or two in each story is left unglossed in order to foster the skill of vocabulary deduction, but the words can still be found in the glossary at the back. My favorite story was #37, about Roscius the comic actor!

I was sad to read Philip Dunlop, the author, passed away in 2023. I was hoping to read another volume of his stories, but he never wrote another as he devoted the second half of his life to classical music. A worthy pursuit, but pity for us learners!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reader synchronized with Cambridge Latin Course up to stage 34. Each reading is between 10 and 25 lines, some new vocabulary introduced and glossed, with a general vocabulary and a list of the classical sources for the readings. A good addition to an extensive reading library for an intermediate Latin learner.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Latin literature after a long absence, I found this collection of passages, taken from original sources but simplified, to be a real box of delights. Part of the Cambridge Latin Course, it's designed to gradually introduce grammatical features of increasing complexity but does so in a way that does not distract the reader. The passages are never longer than a page but they are often witty and nearly always resonant.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this text in my Latin III course in High School- brief stories that are readily translatable for a student studying grammar!

[Kristen Fort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts out with stories ideal for supplementing Latin I concepts and gradually becomes more complex with stories ideal for Latin II and Latin III.