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 . . .
Mastering Verb Forms with the Synopsis Sheet
Mastering Verb Forms Mastering the dizzying array of Latin verb forms is no easy feat. A typical verb has a truly impressive number of different configurations. Depending on how you count, a regular verb can have 250 or more. How can a learner possibly keep them all straight? Forget about keeping them straight, how can the Latin student … Continue reading Mastering Verb Forms with the Synopsis Sheet
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
What’s the Best Book? Survey of Latin Textbooks
What's the best way to teach (or learn) Latin? Regardless of our particular pedagogical philosophy, most of us feel the need to employ a textbook in some capacity. I've used a wide variety of textbooks as a student, a teacher, a parent, and a tutor. I'm hoping to share the fruit of that experience here.