An excellent study guide but for some vital info missing
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I bought this book to teach myself Latin in my own time, at home and I have not been disappointed. I was denied the opportunity to study Latin at GCSE (something which has greatly vexed me), and after seeing this book available, I bought it on a 'whim' not really expecting much from it. I was completely wrong however, as it makes Latin accessible and easy to understand. The new grammar and vocab is introduced in every chapter and the subsequent stories really build upon everything you have learnt in previous chapters. I am definetly buying the other books once I have finished this one.
The reason why I haven't given this book full stars, is because I have come across a few words that are missing completely from the vocab at the back and in the vocab list at the end of each chapter. Even with these words missing, once you have translated the rest of the sentence and you understand the gist of the story, you are able to make an educated guess as to the meaning of the word allowing you to continue with the exercises with confidence.
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Better than Wheelock's
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I may be treading on some "classical" toes here, but I started with the Wheelock's set of books and was completely lost, even though I feel I am somewhat near an expert in English, quite fluent in French, and conversant in Spanish and German. I found the Cambridge course to proceed at the right pace of introducing new features and vocabulary, with interesting stories to use the grammar and new words. The Cambridge Latin Course web site has additional online exercises, which I found I needed as the book exercises were a bit skimpy. The Independent Learning Manual has a few additional exercises but seems geared toward young students and not really worth the extra cost.
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Style over substance
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The Cambridge Latin Course ruined my introduction to Latin at GCE O level! Great on context and culture - but light on really the useful practicalities of grammar and syntax. Great if you want trendy educational ideology - (well, in a nostalgic 1970's sort of way) but if you want to learn Latin...give this course a miss and go for something useful than Metella's latest hairdoo.
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Brilliant way to learn
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In my quest to learn Latin, having been disappointed by other books, this was recommended to me by a friend. After reading the positive reviews on Amazon I decided to buy it. I was not disappointed in it at all. This was exactly what i was looking for in a book: It had stories to translate that focussed around one family so there was a familiar thread to them. Sometimes it even has (although in a very 'learning is fun' way) humour.
It had a gradual increase of vocabulary, giving any new words in a story down the side of it.
It had a full dictionary of all the words used in the book at the back of it, along with a section on all the grammar taught.
The grammar was introduced at the right rate and there were exersizes to test how well you had understood the new points. There were three-four exersizes every chapter (with 20 chapters in total), along with the translations.
The end of the book leads nicely on to the start of the next one so it is not difficult to continue. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to read Latin. You will not regret buying it!
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Excellent course book with plenty of add-ons
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This is a superb guided textbook, and there is a teacher's guide to go with it. In answer to the reader from Sussex who complained that there are no answers provided, I would point him/her to the supplemental material which is integrated into this course; in particular the Independent Learning Manual and the accompanying Answer Book, which is meant for home schooling or independent learners. A registered teacher can also get Graded Tests so that this course really can take someone right through from novice to GCSE. For a wider experience, there are also CDs which can be used. These are available from the Cambridge School Classics Project directly. The big plus is that everything is integrated, so that a consistent storyline is followed, with constant consolidation of learning points.
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