Publisher Description

A charming compendium of Latin words and English derivatives, encompassing over 365 words required for Latin GCSE, one for each day of the year. Each Latin entry is accompanied by key notes on grammar, translations and some playful and memorable derivatives. A concise introduction and a glossary of Latin in common usage combine to make this a vade-mecum (essential companion) for all learners of Latin as well as cruciverbalists. The text is imaginatively punctuated by 20 full-colour illustrations by Amanda Short.

Author Biography

Caroline K. Mackenzie read classics at Pembroke College, Cambridge. After a legal career in London, she became Head of Classics at a school in Sevenoaks. In 2018 Caroline was awarded distinction in an MA in classical art and archaeology at King's College London. Caroline offers online private tutoring in Latin and Greek and runs online Classical reading groups for all ages and abilities. Caroline's first book, Culture and Society at Lullingstone Roman Villa was published by Archaeopress in 2019.

Review

'Carpe verba! (Grasp the words!) A hugely fun and useful tool for Latin learners. I wish I'd had this book when I was learning Latin.' – Caroline Lawrence, author of The Roman Mysteries. ;

'The narrator of a recent French historical novel muses: 'My whole life I owe to Greek. If I hadn't known how to conjugate the aorist, where to put the stresses, how to recite -mi verbs, I would never have been able to escape my menial little existence. Declensions proved to be the instrument of my ascent'. Pari passu and mutatis mutandis, that surely is what every reader will say after reading, marking and inwardly digesting Caroline Mackenzie's brilliant Latin Compendium.' – Professor Paul Cartledge, University of Cambridge. ;

'A handsome and lively introduction to Latin through its core vocabulary and derivatives. Everyone should have a copy.' – Dr Daisy Dunn, author of In the Shadow of Vesuvius. ;

'This delightful, illustrated book will serve two purposes: the straightforward English derivatives will help students remember their Latin vocabulary, and the recondite ones will give a head start for the Scrabble board or cryptic crossword.' – Dr John Taylor, author of Essential GCSE Latin. ;

'Latin can be fun, who knew? A real must for anyone learning Latin or interested in language. I genuinely LOVE this book. It is a fantastic idea and looks absolutely beautiful.' – Celia Rees, author and former English teacher. ;

'Elegantly presented, entertaining, and educational.' – Ruth Downie, author. ;

'The perfect book for anyone who, like me, wishes they had understood Latin at school. Why did our teachers tell us it is a "dead language", and not how useful it would be in real life?' – Janie Hampton, author. ;

'A thoroughly helpful volume, great for both reference and pleasure, ideal for both the crossword and the classroom.' – Michelle Lovric, author.
'This is a well-presented book, packed with information for teachers, students and anyone interested in language, and Latin in particular.' – Mike Smith, Classics for All, November, 2020.

Review Quote

' Carpe verba! (Grasp the words!) A hugely fun and useful tool for Latin learners. I wish I'd had this book when I was learning Latin.' - Caroline Lawrence, author of The Roman Mysteries . ; 'The narrator of a recent French historical novel muses: 'My whole life I owe to Greek. If I hadn't known how to conjugate the aorist, where to put the stresses, how to recite -mi verbs, I would never have been able to escape my menial little existence. Declensions proved to be the instrument of my ascent'. Pari passu and mutatis mutandis , that surely is what every reader will say after reading, marking and inwardly digesting Caroline Mackenzie's brilliant Latin Compendium.' - Professor Paul Cartledge, University of Cambridge . ; 'A handsome and lively introduction to Latin through its core vocabulary and derivatives. Everyone should have a copy.' - Dr Daisy Dunn, author of In the Shadow of Vesuvius. ; 'This delightful, illustrated book will serve two purposes: the straightforward English derivatives will help students remember their Latin vocabulary, and the recondite ones will give a head start for the Scrabble board or cryptic crossword.' - Dr John Taylor, author of Essential GCSE Latin . ; 'Latin can be fun, who knew? A real must for anyone learning Latin or interested in language. I genuinely LOVE this book. It is a fantastic idea and looks absolutely beautiful.' - Celia Rees, author and former English teacher. ; 'Elegantly presented, entertaining, and educational.' - Ruth Downie, author. ; 'The perfect book for anyone who, like me, wishes they had understood Latin at school. Why did our teachers tell us it is a "dead language", and not how useful it would be in real life?' - Janie Hampton, author. ; 'A thoroughly helpful volume, great for both reference and pleasure, ideal for both the crossword and the classroom.' - Michelle Lovric, author. 'This is a well-presented book, packed with information for teachers, students and anyone interested in language, and Latin in particular.' - Mike Smith, Classics for All , November, 2020.

Details