David Taylor

I picked up this book years ago (2002 edition), and it is so well-written I can hardly believe it. One is writing basic Latin sentences by the end of chapter 1, but unit two starts with a succinct three page historical explanation of the golden age of Greece and its transition from Athenian democracy to Hellenism and subsequent absorption of the culture into an increasingly assertive Roman Empire when Latin language was only just developing. It refers to the beginning of the fifth century when debate, discussion, argument, willingness to talk through issues gave way because “Politicians were out for all they could get, promising the world for a taste of power.....Was there a value, wondered Socrates, in persuading others of a particular course of action if we did not first have a very firm grasp of the merits of that course of action?” Socrates’ pursuit of truth offended the powerful and “he was put to death at the close of the fifth century.” (Wasn’t it Winston Churchill who said, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”) The book continues to teach and test the reader throughout in a way that is anything but boring, and ensures that one can ‘grab a bit of culture’ on the way. Exceptional in my opinion! G.D.A.Sharpley is a great writer.