Latin Grammar I and II

by Douglas Wilson and Karen Craig

Canon Press

Canon Press publishes this traditional Latin program for Christian private and home school students in grades six and above. It consists of a worktext designed for independent study and an answer key. It is similar to Jenney Latin in grammatical instruction methodology, but it lacks the frills and includes more drill. The worktext provides instruction and exercises in a straightforward manner. There are no tests and no classroom busywork. It is assumed that the student already has a basic knowledge of English grammar, but brief review is included.

Lessons have students translate from Latin into English and the reverse, review pronunciation and grammar, practice conjugation and declension memorization chants, and translate short reading passages. The teaching method is traditional/grammatically-based rather than conversational.

In Book 1 (182 pages), students study through the fourth conjugation verbs (six tenses each), through fifth declension nouns, through third declension adjectives, and through pronouns. A Latin to English glossary is included at the back of the student book. I would recommend that students get a Latin-English/English-Latin dictionary for easier reference, particularly if they intend to continue study beyond this book.

Book II (244 pages) covers the remainder of Latin grammar sufficient for students to begin translating original Latin works such as Caesar’s Gallic Wars and the book of Esther from the Bible.

Book I has a simple answer key, while Book II appears to have overprinted answers in a student book as the answer key/teacher text. Both courses require a significant amount of study and memorization, but the reward is improved knowledge of English grammar, expanded vocabulary, and the world of learning that is open to those who know Latin. Since the books are paperback and the contents more streamlined than classroom-designed material, the cost is much less than for other programs.