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A Natural History of Latin
by Tore Janson (Translator: Merethe Damsgaard Sørensen) (Translator: Nigel Vincent)
Product Group: Book
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (2005-01-06)
ISBN: 0199263094
EAN: 9780199263097
Dewey Decimal #: 470.9
Binding/Media: Hardcover - 316 pages
SKU: D3-MOVO-WBO8
Condition: As New
Comments: Gift condition. Hardcover with dj from Oxford University Press (2004), this is A Natural History of Latin by Tore Janson, translated and adapted into English by Merethe Damsgaard S?rensen and Nigel Vincent. Latin is a language whose longevity has been phenomenal. Shunned as elitist and irrelevant in the U.S. in the second half of the 20th century, it is experiencing a revival in schools across the country in the 21st. This copy is clean, tight, in absolutely beautiful condition, looks new but I acquired it secondhand. For Latin lovers everywhere. 305 pages included chapters on basic vocabulary and common phrases. « if ( document.getElementById ) { document.writeln('Show less'); }
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Editorial Reviews
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Product Description
No known language, including English, has achieved the success and longevity of Latin. French, Spanish, Italian, and Romanian are among its direct descendants, and countless Latin words and phrases comprise the cornerstone of English itself. A Natural History or Latin tells its history from its origins over 2500 years ago to the present. Brilliantly conceived, popularizing but authoritative, and written with the fluency and light touch that have made Tore Janson's Speak so attractive to tens of thousands of readers, it is a masterpiece of adroit synthesis. The book commences with a description of the origins, emergence, and dominance of Latin over the Classical period. Then follows an account of its survival through the Middle Ages into modern times, with emphasis on its evolution throughout the history, culture, and religious practices of Medieval Europe. By judicious quotation of Latin words, phrases, and texts the author illustrates how the written and spoken language changed, region by region over time; how it met resistance from native languages; and how therefore some entire languages disappeared. Janson offers a vivid demonstration of the value of Latin as a means of access to a vibrant past and a persuasive argument for its continued worth. A concise and easy-to-understand introduction to Latin grammar and a list of the most frequent Latin words, including 500 idioms and phrases still in common use, complement the work.
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Customer Reviews
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Interesting Book
Rating  (5)
Date: 2010-05-10
I was a little worried about how this book would be, after seeing so many negative views on the book, but I felt that it was an enjoyable read. I studied Latin in high school for four years, and although I eventually forgot most of my Latin studies, I had some fond times and eventually began studying German and Spanish, Latin's son. With that being the case, I thought that a concise history of the Latin language could be an interesting read, and I'm glad that I decided to read this book.
This book examines Latin through the ages, from its prominent usage in Rome to its usage today in animal classification. The book is written on an easy level, so that non-linguists can enjoy reading the book. I also enjoy how the book is broken down into sections, with headings. For instance, one such heading is "Latin in Britain" and in this brief section of the book, the usage of Latin is described in ancient Britain. Through the usage of these headings, the book is divided into easily-digestible sections for those who do not have the time to read large chapters of books in one sitting.
The short grammar and vocabulary list is also a nice inclusion in the back of the book for those who want to pursue Latin as a study.
Overall, I found this book to be a fun read, and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in a concise history of the Latin language.
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Worthless
Rating  (1)
Date: 2010-04-04
I bought this book when it first came out, chiefly because it was published by my favorite publisher, Oxford U.P. I was stunned by how worthless the book is. I could have written it 50 years ago as a high school sophomore. But even then I wouldn't have been silly enough as to interrupt an account of the political troubles of the late Republic with the explanation that Brute in "Et tu, Brute?" is in the vocative case. Is this history? Shakespearean criticism? Linguistics?
The chief lesson I learned from this book is to beware of Oxford U.P. I have bought hundreds, maybe thousands, of books published by OUP. I have been saddened to see Oxford lower its standards on paper and binding. The Oxford Latin Dictionary is one of the few books I've bought lately from OUP that is actually stitched. And now this book (along with Following Hadrian, another mistake) raises the question of substantive standards at OUP. Caveat emptor.
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For those who love Latin
Rating (5)
Date: 2010-03-08
An ideal companion for those who are learning latin for themselves, like me. A mix of history, linguistics and...latin! Enlightening. Worth every cent.
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The right balance
Rating (5)
Date: 2008-01-12
1 out of 1 customers found this reveiw helpful
Of several books published in 2007 about lingua latina, this paperbook has the right balance of history, quotations as examples with literal and modern translation. Carpe diem (Mount) is a nice appetizer while Ad infinitum has too many seconds and thirds (Ostler). If you don't have the time to read all three, start with this. For those who did major in the classics.
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hotch-potch
Rating (1)
Date: 2007-11-30
1 out of 2 customers found this reveiw helpful
A confused, and confusing, assembly of factoids that leave the reader with nothing more than a glimpse of the topic due to its overwide focus.
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