Product Description
Latin For Dummies takes you back for a quick jaunt through the parlance of ancient Rome, as well as discussing the progress of Latin into church language, and its status today as the “dead” language that lives on in English, Spanish, Italian, and most other Western tongues. Written for those with zero prior knowledge of Latin, this snappy guide puts the basics at your fingertips and steers clear of the arcane, schoolmarm stereotype of endless declensions and Herculean translations. Easy–to–understand sections describe:
- Latin you already know
- Grammar
- Pronunciation
- Latin in action
- Latin in law
- Latin in medicine
- Latin for impressing your friends
- And much more
No dusty tome or other such artifact, Latin For Dummies makes learning fun and brings the language to life by presenting conversations in various Roman settings, as well as providing fun facts and stories about classical life. And if you feel you may actually have a negative aptitude for the language, don’t worry; pronunciations and translations follow every expression, and a helpful mini–dictionary graces the book’s last pages. You’ll also find out about:
- The quotable Roman
- Latin graffiti
- Latin authors who’s who
- Gladiator Latin
- Latin in love, marriage, and family
- From the mouth of Julius Caesar
- Romans on drink
- Helpful Latin–related Web sites
- Fun and games exercises
Designed to introduce and familiarize you with the language rather than make you the next Cicero, Latin For Dummies gives you all the tools you need to work at your own pace to learn as much or as little as you like. So noli timere (no–lee tih–may–reh) – “have no fear” – and carpe diem (“pick up Latin For Dummies today”)!
From the Back Cover
Make sense of Latin in no time!
Noli timere! (no–lee tih–may–reh) As the Romans would say, "Have no fear!" You’ll be reading and speaking Latin in a flash with this friendly guide, which covers all Latin language essentials, including grammar, usage, and vocabulary. You’ll even see how to use Latin in modern situations, from the law to medicine to impressing your friends at cocktail parties.
The Dummies Way
- Explanations in plain English
- "Get in, get out" information
- Icons and other navigational aids
- Tear–out cheat sheet
- Top ten lists
- A dash of humor and fun
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About the Author
Steven R. Perkins has taught Latin for a decade.
Tracy Barr has served as an editor, editorial manager, writer, and consultant on For Dummies books.
