A New Member....

[RMG]

Hello Everyone....

I just joined, and thought I would say hello. I have loved and read (in translation) the classics for a long time - Ancient Greek philosophy, epic poetry, and history, and Latin poetry and history. Several years ago I grew tired of reading in translation, or more particularly, reading translations of varying quality and aesthetic principles rather than engaging the thing itself. So, having a little more time, I focused on Ancient Greek. I have failed with so many books, yet some learning seems to be happening. I began with Hansen & Quinn, and stopped when I blizzard of new verb forms overwhelmed me. Then I tried JACT, and made it part way through, but probably wasn't doing the exercises enough, so I stalled. Along the way I tried Italian Athenaze, which I liked, but I missed the grammar study, when back to Hansen & Quinn, then tried Keller & Russell (loved the grammar, but the workbook almost killed me), tried Thrasymachus (which seems to be written beautifully), then finally settled back on Mastronarde. It seems quite lucid, comprehensive, and compact. I am very happy with it, and progressing nicely..... I have finally learned, I hope, the rigour required. The books matter. but personal rigour, it seems, matters more.

I would give a shorter summary for Latin, but I will spare everyone.... I have done less time with Latin, and am thus at an earlier stage. But I do love it. I love both languages, for different reasons.

I worked as a trial lawyer for a long time, learned French, and am learning Italian, so I have some experience with languages. I often asked questions when I felt stuck on this or that point, and discovered that this forum had good or very good answers. I truly love studying, and I look forward to learning more here.

Best, RMG

[bedwere]

Welcome to Textkit!