Hello,<br /><br />I'm not sure whether this is the right forum to post text suggestions in; but since I have a mental list, and am fairly confident that Jeff is reading this forum (hi Jeff!), I'll go ahead.<br /><br />The list is based on two factors: what is rare (and therefore hugely expensive, usually impossible for the average independent learner to have access to), and what is helpful if not indispensible while making one's through classical languages.<br /><br />Supplying scarce books seems to me an important part of the textkit mission, equal to if not more important than supplying basic beginner's texts. While someone with a few dollars can buy (used) basic language textbooks, grammars, introductory readers online; he/she will not be able to find these -- books basically impossible to find unless one lives near a large college library. I feel very strongly about catering to the person with a strong desire to learn this material deeply but without the physical means, rather than just to the student who wants a basic textbook on the cheap (no less noble a goal! I assure you as a student myself), and I commend textkit for what it's done so far. I'm not sure how textkit acquires books, but I assume that they are near a college or have people willing to make photocopies. I'll photocopy some myself if you offer some general guidelines about submission! Photocopies of books form the bulk of my library. Here is what I'd add to the extensive wish-list:<br /><br />
<br /><br />James Adam, The Republic of Plato (Cambridge: University Press, 1909).<br />J.A. Stewart, Notes on the Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1892)<br /><br />[face=SPIonic][size=18=9]The Republic and Nicomachean Ethics are the two most important and influential philosophical prose works of classical antiquity. These are the only two full English commentaries on the Greek that are [un]available. Enough said. The first was reprinted in 1965 but is still rare and expensive when for sale, the second is currently selling used for $250 and the 1999 reprint is selling for $270![/face][/size]<br /><br />James Riddell, The Apology of Plato: with a revised text and English notes, and a digest of Platonic idioms (Oxford: Unviersity Press, 1877).<br /><br />[face=SPIonic][size=18=9]Currently selling used for $120. The important part of this is the "digest of Platonic idiom" in the back, which, for its importance, was excerpted and reprinted in 1967. It is a superb, excellent, comprehensive, and practical introduction to Plato's language and style.[/face][/size]<br /><br />William Veitch, Greek Verbs, Irregular and Defective (Oxford: Clarendon Press: 1887).<br /><br />[face=SPIonic][size=18=9]"This book...is the result of much toilsom labour and anxious thought." Standard reference work (or should be) on Greek verbs in context. It gives attested forms with massive commentary, not theoretically possible forms.[/face][/size]<br /><br />Arthur Sidgwick, An Introduction to Greek Verse Composition (London: Rivingtons, 1889).<br />Arthur Sidgwick, Key to Greek Verse Composition (London: Rivingtons, 1883).<br /><br />[face=SPIonic][size=18=9]Greek Verse composition, are you mad?! Yes, but the introductory chapter "Hints on Poetic Forms and Usages" should be mandatory reading before students attempt to read (never mind write) Greek tragedy.[/face][/size]
<br /><br />Your content suggestions are first-class. I'm particularly happy to see that someone has found a Key to Sidgwick's Greek Prose. I have been searching for a key printed before 1923 for almost two years.<br /><br />I also have been looking for Veitch's Greek Verbs since it comes so highly recommended by Goodwin.<br /><br />Actually, I'm not near a college library so my access to books is somewhat limited. Almost all the books you see on Textkit I purchase. A few I have managed to borrow from libraries and a few more are sent in from Textkit volunteers.<br /><br />Ok, now on to your comment about scarce books. We are slowly moving in that direction and ultimately we would like Textkit to be a world class library for the serious classical language learner/student. So that is a goal. Just this week in fact we acquired Hicks and Hills 'Greek Historical Inscriptions' which will be useful for those interested in reading actual Greek writings found on monuments, pottery and so forth.<br /><br />But we do always keep the beginning learning in mind and beginners are our target audience. <br /><br />We gladly accept photocopied books. Our only requirement is that the book must be printed before 1923. Please Private Message me about any books in particular and I can provide more details.<br /><br />I would be very interested in the Sidgwick key!<br /><br />thanks again,<br /><br />jeff<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
