And what, you may wonder, are the strongest features? Glad you asked. As is the case with the first book in this series, clarity and thoroughness are the strengths of Jenney's Second Year Latin.
Caesar as Teacher
With Caesar as teacher, we can be his co-teachers. We can help our students see and feel the drama in his narrative.
Caesar as Storyteller
Julius Caesar as Storyteller? Well, yes. We remember Caesar as many things: general, tyrant, reformer of the calendar and, yes, author. But how often do we give him credit for his virtuosity in spinning yarns?
Pluck the Day
Now, I can't deny that "seize the day" sounds a lot more inspiring than "pluck the day." How does one pluck a day, anyway? Here's where it pays to go to the source. What exactly is Horace getting at in the eleventh poem in his first book of odes?
In Praise of Old Books
And if holding a century-old book in your hand can give a sense of a tangible connection to its readers over the past hundred years, what about reading the same words that have fired the imaginations of countless readers over the past hundred generations?
Ilium in Italiam: Clyde Pharr’s Amazing Aeneid
Ilium in Italiam Ilium in Italiam portans, that is, bringing Troy into Italy. This is one of Juno's many complaints against Aeneas in the opening scene of Vergil's Aeneid (I.68). Juno, however, is the villain of the story. Bringing Troy into Italy is, in fact, the theme of the epic. The blending of the valiant remnant of Ilium with … Continue reading Ilium in Italiam: Clyde Pharr’s Amazing Aeneid
Clear and Thorough: Jenney’s 1st Year Latin Review
Clear and Thorough Clear and thorough are the first words that come to mind when I think of Jenney's First Year Latin. No, those words don't evoke a sense of excitement. But excitement is not the reason that this textbook series dominated high school Latin programs in the mid-late twentieth century. Excitement only goes so far. … Continue reading Clear and Thorough: Jenney’s 1st Year Latin Review
Nothing is Free, Latin Scholars, Except . . .
Nothing is Free Nothing is free in this world, nihil gratis . . . at least that's what they say. I'm here to tell you that something is free, at least until March 6th. That is, my "Mastering the Ablative Case" Udemy course is available at no expense to you for the next month. Why … Continue reading Nothing is Free, Latin Scholars, Except . . .
Meet Quintus: Oxford Latin Course Review
Meet Quintus Meet Quintus - Quintus Horatius Flaccus, that is. We generally call him Horace, one of the greatest poets of antiquity. He's best known today among non-Latinists for his phrase carpe diem (Horace, Odes 1.11). And meet Quintus we do, on the very first page of Maurice Balme's and James Morewood's Oxford Latin Course. The student's … Continue reading Meet Quintus: Oxford Latin Course Review
Gettysburg, Bishops, Androids, and Latin?
The Connection Gettysburg, Bishops, and Androids. What, you may wonder, is the connection? And what do they have to do with Latin? Well, as we'll see, Latin is the connection. Allow me to explain. https://vimeo.com/952952871?share=copy Gettysburg, Bishops, Androids, and Latin? What's the connection? Well, let me tell you . . . Let's start with Gettysburg. I'm … Continue reading Gettysburg, Bishops, Androids, and Latin?