Description
Book SynopsisThe Blackwell History of the Latin Language charts the development of Latin from its prehistoric origins in the Indo-European language family, through the earliest texts, to the creation of the Classical Language of Cicero and Vergil, and examines the impact of the spread of spoken Latin through the Roman Empire.
Trade Review“The stated goal of this welcome new survey is to overcome some of the shortcomings of L. R. Palmer's classic handbook
The Latin Language, unrevised since its publication in 1954. The goal is worthy, and the execution is in many ways a success.” (
Bryn Mawr Classical Review, March 2009)
“Clackson and Horrocks have produced a wide-ranging, theoretically sophisticated, and still thoroughly manageable book that will not easily be superseded.” (New England Classical Journal, February 2009)
"James Clackson and Geoffrey Horrocks have … Succeeded admirably in their aim, presenting a mass of data within persuasive narrative." (Times Literary Supplement, December 2008)
“The…hefty Blackwell History of the Latin Language…The authors focus on the evolution of the sounds, vocabulary, word and sentence structure…over the centuries.” (Chicago Tribune)
“[The authors] set the tone … with an honesty that is … appreciated … .Marvelous treatment of … understudied languages … .Carefully, admirably, proofread … .Recommended.” (Choice)
Table of ContentsPreface.
1 Latin and Indo-European.
2 The Languages of Italy.
3 The Background to Standardization.
4 'Old' Latin and its Varieties in the Period c.400--150 BC.
5 The Road to Standardization: Roman Latin of the Third and Second Centuries BC.
6 Elite Latin in the Late Republic and Early Empire.
7 Sub-Elite Latin in the Empire.
8 Latin in Late Antiquity and Beyond.
Glossary.
Appendix: The International Phonetic Alphabet.
Bibliography of Reference and Other Works.
Index.
