Hi
I am getting towards the final chapters of both LLPSI and Wheelock and looking toward later study texts. My goal is to read fluently but I do like learning grammar too so hence my method of working between two texts.
I will eventually work through the Orberg supplements but I saw a deal where someone is offering to sell the 3 parts of Sidwell & Jones’ Reading Latin (Independent Study guide, text & vocab, grammar and exercises).
My primary interest is in reading material so I probably would not have bought the grammar and exercises otherwise.
I know there are lots of pdf resources which I have downloaded for extra reading but I do like good books for my main study. Unfortunately they are very expensive in Australia so I’m looking out for any local bargains.
I noticed a review that says to avoid this series as an independent learner. Any thoughts?
Reading Latin is an integrated course which takes beginners through a suggested two year course. It doesn’t make much sense to use the text volume, which consists largely of adapted Latin, on its own. Given that you have already studied Wheelock and LLPSI you are no longer a beginner and I think you would be bored by “Reading Latin”. Dont buy it until you have had a chance to look at it too see whether it is something you would find interesting and helpful. I only have experience of the first edition, the second has less (heavily adapted) Plautus and is augmented by some Livy and Ovid.
I would have thought that you are ready to read an unadapted text such as Caesar alongside some poetry such as Catullus. As you are interested in grammar you could try prose composition exercises such as North and Hillard, there is a readily available key and you can always ask here if you are confused.
If Caesar doesn’t inspire you perhaps Livy would be a good choice but it is a little more challenging.
Whatever you read I suggest you use a commentary. Geoffrey Steadman has several on his website https://geoffreysteadman.com which you can also buy from Amazon.
As for Catullus here are some commentaries of varying helpfulness.
The Student’s Catullus, 3rd edition (Oklahoma Series in Classical Culture) Daniel H. Garrison 2004
Catullus: Expanded Edition Henry V. Bender, Phyllis Young Forsyth, Bolchazy-Carducci 2005 The AP syllabus
Catullus The poems Kenneth Quinn (1970) 1996 Bristol Classical Press
Catullus A commentary C. J. Fordyce Oxford 1961 useful but some of the poems are suppressed.
There is also thread on the merits of Ovid as a first Latin text here http://discourse.textkit.com/t/ovids-metamorphoses-as-a-first-latin-text/17475/1
The main determinant of your choice should be what interests you. However I think North and Hillard is indispensable.
Thank you so much for that extensive reply. I do want to avoid being bored so I think I will skip Reading Latin texts and save myself some money. You’ve given me confidence to have a go at the material on the Steadman site. I thought I would need some kind of course or reader but I can see his commentaries make those works very accessible.
I was considering North & Hillard as I would like to have something structured work with as well working through reading. You’ve helped convince me that working on composition will be worth the effort. Thanks again for the helpful advice and the corresponding thread.