Greek: An Intensive Course, 2nd Revised Edition

The first big surprise when you receive this text is its size and weight, but I cannot say enough concerning the excellence of this text (for its value can be measured in every ounce annd inch). However, one of the better aspects of this presentation is that it leaves virtually nothing to guess work. Essentially, every question the student may have had while plodding through the rugged terrain of alternative texts is answered in black and white as soon as the subject is encountered! Of course, this means that the student MUST READ EVERYTHING ! (yes, even the small print ... and everything ... Everything ... is explained right down to the minutest detail!). This text is definately not for the light hearted and is really intended for the serious-minded student grammarian. While there is a good deal of vocabulary presented, the emphasis is on repeated use of only a select few words (in all their numerous forms) in order to demonstrate the entire concept of Ancient Greek inflectional usage. I found this to be an exceptionally efficient and most workable technique. Vocabulary learning can be done on one's own, while the grammer must be studied intensively if one is to truly master the language. The primary emphasis is (as it shoud be) on the six principle parts. Once these are sufficiently mastered, everything else falls into place. I was also impressed with the almost immediate introduction to what are usually felt to be the more complicated aspects of the language and are therefore most often held until later or last (i.e., subjunctive, optative, etc.). But these are the more useful aspects of the language and help to lend that all important extra dimension to a comprehensive feel for the language. One of the great problems of presenting a language of any kind in textual format is that it must be represented in linear sequence. Humans do not learn their native languages in that format, nor do they successfully learn fluency in foreign tongues in that way. However, I beleive that this text does everything to counter the adverse effects of the sequential nature of textual language learning in regard to this exceeding rich and ancient language, which is exemplary in both its poetic and analytical nature. I might also add here that about 1/3 of the text is acutally a detailed appendex to be referred to afterwords when the student is ready for the more intricate (but not necessarily essential) grammatical elements. This is not a text for those interested primarily in a reading knowledge of the language. For that you might try Peckett & Munday's most excellent little text "Thrasymachus." (Refer to my review of that book under the appropriate heading).

I’m taking online Ancient Greek with Dr Hillman. This text is an excellent choice—I’ve got it heavily highlighted/ tabbed after two months of study! Beautiful language <3

I got this book as a back up reference for my Great Courses Greek 101 which I have embarked on to teach my self some classical Greek. This book has been superb! Lots of areas of confusion were clarified with clear simple explanations such as sentence word order. I couldn't understand why the order was changing in my workbook exercises. Also prepositions that have slightly different meaning depending on the case -was there any logic to this, again this book made it clear and greatly aided my learning. I could go on and on but suffice it to say its definately a reference worth having and I'm sure it is great in a stand alone course. I also sprung for the hard cover book which feels like leather to the touch and is very well made -no regrets paying the extra

I'm throwing my hat in with the many other positive reviews of this fine text. It is methodical, systematic, and extensive in its treatment of grammar, which makes for a more confident and self assured state of mind when tackling translations, unlike the text I initially used in college.When I first took Greek in college, we used the "Reading Greek" [JACT] series, likely because our introductory instructor was himself from England, whence JACT originated. The other instructors were rather tepid in their enthusiasm at having their instruction based upon it. I was obliged, for various reasons to cut short my studies in Greek at that time, picking them up again a few years later in college, starting at the very beginning, with a different introductory instructor and, mercifully, the earlier edition to "Greek: An Intensive Course" ('merciful' in the specific sense that "Reading Greek" was no longer used). WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Whereas with the RG text, it would take one over 2 semesters to master all the verb and noun forms, GAIC has you on solid ground in a few short weeks. I went back to the RG textbook (the one with the actual Greek text passages, as opposed to the Grammar) and was astounded by how fast I was able to fly through all but the last few sections, after having struggled so hard on my first time with Greek (though there were other factors contributing to this).Having said that, I also have to say that, for someone who is on reasonable footing with the grammar, reading the text passages in RG is quite useful as a refresher, as well as strengthening one's familiarity with Greek idioms and style, in addition to vocabulary. Hence,if you don't feel quite comfortable enough to plunge into authentic,unadulterated Greek just yet after finishing GAIC, the RG passages go a long way toward building your confidence. If you can find a used copy of RG to read after you're done with GAIC, it's well worth it, in my estimation.Happy Reading!

Easy to follow even if learning on your own.