Dr. Zaslavsky’s The First Latin Course is informed by a double recognition: First, the recognition that the characteristics of a language must be presented in a holistic, rather than in a fragmented, way. Such an approach allows students to gain a comprehensive conceptual grasp of the characteristics of the language to be learned. Second, the recognition that there has been a neglect—even an outright abjuration—of the teaching of English grammar that has prevailed in our schools for at least a third of a century, which means that our students come to us grammar poor. This textbook aims to enrich students grammatically by providing a comprehensive explanation of both English and Latin grammar. This makes it as useful to English teachers as a reference source as it is to Latin teachers.

The following are the features that distinguish this Latin textbook from the others that are currently available:

(1) It provides a clear explanation of the kind of language that Latin is (as opposed to English).
(2) It provides a clear and workable guide to translating from Latin into English.
(3) It provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for the construction of all Latin forms.
(4) It provides straightforward explanations (without superfluous refinements) of Latin grammar and syntax.
(5) It provides a full explanation of the English grammar that students need.
(6) It provides and employs rational and consistent principles of translation.
(7) It provides copious paradigms and a plethora of useful supplementary materials.
(8) It is, out of a commitment to linguistic precision, rigorously non-sexist in its language use.

Dr. Zaslavsky’s The First Latin Course is informed by a double recognition: First, the recognition that the characteristics of a language must be presented in a holistic, rather than in a fragmented, way. Such an approach allows students to gain a comprehensive conceptual grasp of the characteristics of the language to be learned. Second, the recognition that there has been a neglect—even an outright abjuration—of the teaching of English grammar that has prevailed in our schools for at least a third of a century, which means that our students come to us grammar poor. This textbook aims to enrich students grammatically by providing a comprehensive explanation of both English and Latin grammar. This makes it as useful to English teachers as a reference source as it is to Latin teachers.

The following are the features that distinguish this Latin textbook from the others that are currently available:

(1) It provides a clear explanation of the kind of language that Latin is (as opposed to English).
(2) It provides a clear and workable guide to translating from Latin into English.
(3) It provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for the construction of all Latin forms.
(4) It provides straightforward explanations (without superfluous refinements) of Latin grammar and syntax.
(5) It provides a full explanation of the English grammar that students need.
(6) It provides and employs rational and consistent principles of translation.
(7) It provides copious paradigms and a plethora of useful supplementary materials.
(8) It is, out of a commitment to linguistic precision, rigorously non-sexist in its language use.