Book

Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar

by James Bradstreet Greenough

📖 Overview

Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar stands as a comprehensive reference work for the study of Latin language and literature. The text covers Latin grammar, syntax, and usage through systematic organization and detailed explanations. The book contains sections on phonology, morphology, word formation, and sentence structure, with extensive examples drawn from classical Latin authors. Tables and paradigms provide clear models for Latin declensions and conjugations, while special sections address topics like prosody and metrics. The grammar includes notes on historical developments in Latin and comparisons with related languages. Its appendices contain reference materials on Roman calendar systems, money, measures, and abbreviations used in Latin texts. This influential work maintains relevance for its structured approach to Latin instruction and its balance between practical guidance and scholarly depth. The text exemplifies the American classical scholarship tradition of the late 19th century.

👀 Reviews

Readers consistently mention this grammar's comprehensiveness and detail for advanced Latin study. The detailed table of contents, clear organization, and thorough index help users find specific grammar points quickly. Likes: - In-depth coverage of syntax and linguistic phenomena - High-quality binding in newer editions - Extensive examples from classical texts - Clear explanations of complex concepts Dislikes: - Dense academic language intimidates beginners - Small print size strains eyes - Limited practice exercises - Can overwhelm new students "This is the authority I turn to when other grammars fall short" - Amazon reviewer "Not for first-year students but invaluable for serious study" - Goodreads user Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (168 ratings) Google Books: 4.4/5 (89 ratings) Most reviewers recommend it as a reference grammar for intermediate/advanced students rather than a primary textbook for beginners.

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New Comparative Grammar of Greek and Latin by Andrew L. Sihler. The book traces Latin and Greek grammar to their Proto-Indo-European origins through historical linguistics and comparative analysis.

Latin: An Intensive Course by Floyd L. Moreland, Rita M. Fleischer. This text provides structured grammar instruction with practice exercises and readings from classical sources.

A Natural History of Latin by Tore Janson. The work combines Latin grammar instruction with historical context about the language's evolution through Roman civilization to modern times.

Kennedy's Revised Latin Primer by Benjamin Hall Kennedy. This classical reference presents Latin grammar rules with clear examples and explanations of syntax patterns.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔖 First published in 1888, this Latin grammar text has remained continuously in print for over 130 years and is still considered the definitive reference work for Latin scholars. 📚 The grammar was a collaboration between James B. Greenough and Joseph Henry Allen, both Harvard professors, though Greenough's name became more prominently associated with the work over time. 🎓 The book's comprehensive treatment of Latin syntax influenced how Latin was taught in American universities throughout the 20th century and helped establish standardized methods for teaching classical languages. 📖 Despite its age, the book's system of numbered sections (totaling 638) has become a universal reference standard, with modern Latin scholars still citing "AG" (Allen and Greenough) numbers in academic works. 🌟 The 1903 revised edition, which incorporated new archaeological and philological discoveries of the late 19th century, became the standard version that is still widely used and reprinted today.