Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar

This is an excellent resource for Latin teachers or classical scholars, since almost any grammar, syntax or prosody question is addressed within its pages; however, a bit of time is required for the user to become familiar with the general organization of the text. Although it has been recently updated, and the sections on meter have been completely re-written from the1903 edition, the language is still quite formal. For these reasons, it is perhaps a bit difficult for high school students to use as a home reference. It should, however, be on the classroom reference shelf.

It seems a little presumptuous to comment on this classic, but it would be much easier to use if the section numbers were given at the top of the pages (like keywords in a dictionary). Since every reference in the index is by section number, the page numbers emphasized in the current design are extremely distracting. There is no way to find a section number except by scanning the text. I hope the publisher will read this review and change the design in a future edition.

This book's low average rating is, unfortunately, a reflection not of its quality, but of the error of a previous reviewer whose mistake was to expect the book to be a basic grammar rather than a reference grammar for more advanced students. Put simply, there is no better Latin reference grammar available in English. If there is, I am not aware of it. This is the only Latin grammar that rivals Smyth's Greek Grammar in its depth and clarity. That said, students should note that this is a thorough descriptive reference grammar, not a grammar meant to teach Latin or to provide the intermediate student with a basic reference. Those seeking a simpler reference more suitable to the intermediate level may benefit from Bennet's grammar of the same title.

This is one of the great Latin reference grammars. Where most people fail is in expecting a grammar to be a textbook; case in point, another reviewer compared this to Moreland and Fleischer's _Intensive Latin Course_, which is a fine textbook, but not a reference grammar. This and similar grammars by Hale & Buck or Gildersleeve are essential for the advancing student, but should never be approached like a lesson book or be read straight through. They're called "reference" grammars because you're meant to "refer" to them on specific questions of grammar. Get it? For the beginning student or for a simpler (albeit less authoritative) treatment, I recommend Bennett's grammar. But Allen & Greenough is an excellent, excellent grammar. When you've gotten a bit further along you may consider adding Woodcock's _New Latin Syntax_.