First Greek Book

by John Williams White

Download this free beginner's Classical Greek textbook. Just as the name says, First Greek Book is a beginning Greek textbook. Historically, this book was intended for American students of the age of about 15 who had already had at least one year of Latin. The book is intended for learners with no Greek experience and it prepares students to read Xenophon's Anabasis. It contains 80 lessons and the appendix lists rules of syntax, paradigms, principal parts of important verbs and vocabulary. After this book, the publishers intended students to then move on to Goodwin's Greek Grammar and First Four Books of Xenophon's Anabasis.

First Greek Book at 292 pages was adapted from White’s 1892 The Beginner’s Greek Book, which at 428 pages was much larger and presented more information that was perhaps needed for first year Greek students. The Beginner’s Greek Book’s quick transformation into the much leaner First Greek Book only four years later suggest that the Beginner’s Greek Book did not enjoy wide spread acceptance. From an economic perspective, the page reduction no doubt produced a more affordable and marketable textbook as well. White acknowledges in the first paragraph of the preface of First Greek Book that his earlier The Beginner’s Greek Book was seen by American educators as too long to cover in one year.

This downsizing produced one of the most successful and longest running first year Greek textbooks in American history. For clarity, it purposely defers more complex topics of the Greek language, such as in-depth Syntax and the treatment of Verse. It enjoyed continuous reprints until 1937. First Greek Book was also innovative at its time. It is an early example of a Greek textbook in which paradigms are placed in the book’s appendix for handy reference rather than being sprinkled throughout the book. Its layout and typeface for today’s students will also appear familiar and modern. Typical too of first year textbooks, First Greek Book makes use of outstanding illustrations to help keep the book lively for young learners.

A committed and disciplined learner can use this book well to learn Ancient Greek. The book assumes classrooms use and for the independent learner a good reference grammar is also suggested for help with the more advanced lesson, especially in the area of syntax, which is sparsely covered.