Latin Grammar: Grammar, Vocabularies, and Exercises in Preparation for the Reading of the Missal and Breviary

Allow me to echo most of the other reviews in that the glossary at the end of the book is thorough and a key element of this book. Beyond that, the book is specifically aimed at learning the Latin used in the Ordinary Mass, the three Requiem Masses, and the Roman Breviary. The chapters begin with vocabulary then follow with grammar lessons. Several sections of exercises, reading, and translation conclude the chapter. I guess what I appreciate about the book's organization is that the Lessons are succinct and focused. My only complaint is that the book does not have an answer key nor is there even one available for sale a la Collins. I probably would have given this book four-stars had I not found an answer key online ([see comments]). The answer key is only complete through Lesson 12 (of 20) but that should suffice for quite some time. The availability of an answer key online enhances the effectiveness of this book, thus five-stars. Dominus tecum

Scanlon's work is more valuable today than it was "in the day" when it was first published. Though lacking a website, fine art and other bells and whistles, this Latin course satisfies the traditional Catholic's need to attain proficiency sufficient to prayerfully attend the traditional Latin Mass and read the Roman Breviary. I used it years ago when I taught myself Latin. I'm using it today to teach my own son as well.

This remarkable book is a good place to start for anyone trying to learn ecclesiastical Latin, especially those who are interested in understanding the Mass or the Divine Office. This is the first of a two book series written for seminarians and novices who may have had no previous knowledge of Latin and needed to learn it fairly quickly (the second book is called Second Latin).This book won't make you an expert Latinist, but it is most useful for anyone who desires a reasonable understanding of the language, particularily if you are interested in understanding the Latin used in the liturgy. Readings from the Gospel of St. John are introduced in later lessons (the second book focuses more on the use of Latin in theology and cannon law). This first book does a decent job of covering Latin grammar completely; although, the explanations of grammatical constructs are a bit brief. It was written in 1944 and so presumes that the reader has had some exposure the the Latin Mass, but it won't be much of a hinderance if one hasn't had any exposure to the Latin Mass.Overall, this is a wonderful introduction to the Latin used by the Church, and I heartily recommend it to anyone.

This book is excellent preparation for reading ecclesiastical Latin. For reading the Vulgate, the extensive vocabulary at the back makes it a handier reference than a standard Latin dictionary. The emphasis here is on reading: all exercises are Latin into English - none are English into Latin. It lacks diacritical marks, although it does mark the accented syllable. Readers seeking a primer to prepare them to read church Latin appear to have few choices, but this is a good one.