A Natural History of Latin - Couverture souple

Janson, Tore

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0199214050 ISBN 13 : 9780199214051

Editeur : Oxford University Press, U.S.A., 2007

Synopsis

No known language, including English, has achieved the success and longevity of Latin. French, Spanish, Italian, and Romanian are among its direct descendants, and countless Latin words and phrases comprise the cornerstone of English itself. A Natural History or Latin tells its history from its origins over 2500 years ago to the present. Brilliantly conceived, popularizing but authoritative, and written with the fluency and light touch that have made Tore Janson's Speak so attractive to tens of thousands of readers, it is a masterpiece of adroit synthesis. The book commences with a description of the origins, emergence, and dominance of Latin over the Classical period. Then follows an account of its survival through the Middle Ages into modern times, with emphasis on its evolution throughout the history, culture, and religious practices of Medieval Europe. By judicious quotation of Latin words, phrases, and texts the author illustrates how the written and spoken language changed, region by region over time; how it met resistance from native languages; and how therefore some entire languages disappeared. Janson offers a vivid demonstration of the value of Latin as a means of access to a vibrant past and a persuasive argument for its continued worth. A concise and easy-to-understand introduction to Latin grammar and a list of the most frequent Latin words, including 500 idioms and phrases still in common use, complement the work.

A propos du livre

À propos de l'auteur

Tore Janson was Professor of Oriental and African Languages at the University of Goteborg until his retirement in 2000. He was previously Professor of Linguistics at the same university and a world expert on the history of Latin. He is the author of the international bestseller Speak: A Short History of Languages (O.U.P. 2002; trade paperback 2003).

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Oxford University Press, U.S.A.
• Date d'édition: 2007
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0199214050
• ISBN 13: 9780199214051
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 305
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: Ufficio Anagrafiche Messaggerie; ufficio.anagrafiche@meli.it; ; Via Verdi, 8; Assago Milano; 20090; Italie