The Latin Tamer - by Ward Farnsworth & Sarah Van Der Pas (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Learn Latin through examples written in the language itself. For beginners or advanced students, The Latin Tamer brings the language of Rome within anyone's reach. Using thousands of quotations, The Latin Tamer is distinctively written and organized with the clarity found in all of Ward Farnsworth's books. Every aspect of the language is illustrated with a quotation-almost all from ancient sources. You'll always have the fun of reading the real thing. And the examples are short and explained on the spot, so you'll never be confused about what the words mean and why. The Latin Tamer can teach anyone the language by itself or be used with other resources. And Farnsworth will help readers acquire a smattering of Latin if they don't have years to spend on it. Since every quotation is explained, readers can (if they like) just read the quotations and absorb as they go without memorizing. This will acquaint even the most casual reader with some of Latin's charms. The Latin Tamer is especially suited for anyone interested in Stoicism and other philosophical ideas from Ancient Rome. As the author of The Practicing Stoic and The Socratic Method, Ward Farnsworth draws example after example from some of the greatest thinkers the world has ever known. For lifelong learners of all kinds, The Latin Tamer is a treat for the mind and the key to unlock an ancient treasure"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Learn to read the Romans! This book is an exciting new way to discover the Latin language. Whether you want to master it or just see enough to enjoy some time travel, The Latin Tamer makes the journey a pleasure.

This book's approach to Latin is distinctive. It teaches the language through thousands of real ancient quotations. Every quotation is explained on the spot, so you'll never be confused about what the words mean and why. This approach lets you learn about topics in any order that works best for you. It makes Latin fun.

The Latin Tamer is written with the clarity found in all of Ward Farnsworth's books. Every idea is explained in plain language and illustrated with charming examples. The book is especially ideal if you're interested in Stoicism and other great ideas from the classical world. It contains countless illustrations from Seneca the Younger, Cicero, and other thinkers whose insights have stood the test of time. You'll learn Latin by reading the writers who interest you the most.

Latin puts you into direct contact with the thought and culture of the ancient Roman world. It lets you enjoy beautiful ways of saying things that can't be experienced in English. Knowing Latin, or even just being familiar with it, is an improvement to the quality of life of any thinking person. Let The Latin Tamer be your guide.

Review Quotes

"A splendid job of wedding instruction to delight. Organized as a reference text and illustrated with copious citations from Cicero, Horace, Seneca, and many more, this lucid work is a suitable guide for both the lapsed classicist and the absolute novice (a recommended chapter sequence for beginners is provided in the appendix). Adding to its riches are the supplementary materials found at the book's companion site, latinlanguage.org, including grammatical exercises, vocabulary lists, audio for pronunciation work, and lengthier passages for practice."

--New Criterion

"Why use any other Latin book now that The Latin Tamer is available? Along with the companion website, the book makes a subject that can be intimidating not only accessible but delightful. The use of examples related to Stoicism will grab students' interest and keep it. I only wish this book had been around during the fifty years I've been teaching the subject. Anyone learning Latin needs a copy."

--Jennifer Roberts, Distinguished Professor of Classical Languages and History, City College of New York

"An invaluable resource, systematic and yet lively. Thoroughgoing but far from ponderous, the volume will delight readers."

--Richard A. LaFleur, Franklin Professor of Classics Emeritus, University of Georgia, and coauthor of Wheelock's Latin

"Latin still has many devotees, and the authors of The Latin Tamer are skilled and ardent members of that happy family. Their lucid introductory text and website should help to recruit many more."

--Robert Kaster, Kennedy Foundation Professor of Latin Language and Literature, Princeton University

"This expansive approach to deciphering Latin, generously peppered throughout with phrases from real authors, offers learners a pleasant path into the texts of a fascinating ancient era."

--Shadi Bartsch, Helen A. Regenstein Distinguished Service Professor of Classics, The University of Chicago

About the Author

Sarah van der Pas is principal of Pacifica Translation, which provides translation and editorial services in English, French, and Latin. She is the author of A Latin Exercise Book, A Guide to Metrical Verse, and many translations from Latin.