La Grammaire A L Oeuvre Text

I was assigned this book in one of my grad level French classes and have used it as a reference again and again. It's an excellent resource for advanced students (since it's in French, it's probably not appropriate for "les débutants"). It explains all grammar points in more detail and includes more exceptions than any other French grammar book I've found. One of my favorite features is the "Coin du spécialiste" found in each chapter that deals with really picky points of usage.In addition, each chapter contains tons of exercises ranging from the standard fill-in-the-blanks to communicative exercises designed to facilitate discussions or writing. Each chapter also contains an excerpt from a piece of French literature that's relevant to the chapter grammar.A new copy of this book at my bookstore ran about $60. I love this book enough to have paid that much, but it burns me that it's so much more expensive than other books only because it's used as a college textbook (compare it, for example, to the wonderful "Ultimate French Review and Practice" for intermediate students, which is about $12). Fortunately, you can find it used for about half the price.

I good book, but buy at Barnes and Noble--c'est moins cher

After taking many years of french instruction this is the book I come back to now. Clear examples, concise explanations, and an index that a french student can use to find what is needed. Pair this with a good French-English dictionary and you're set.