The first edition of this extremely popular two volume Greek text has been successfully adopted in many high schools and colleges; the organization and approach used by the authors, make it an equally effective tool for those who would enjoy learning the language on their own. The set is designed for a two semester course at the introductory level. This second edition incorporates the authors' improvements and corrections gathered from users' commentary. Those who are currently using the first edition will find this update valuable, those who are seeking a Greek language text will find Greek: An Intensive Course one of the most complete and accessible books on the market.
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aThis is a text of such wonderful clarity that it is a delight for both student and instructor.a
About the Author
Hardy Hansen is Professor of Classics at Brooklyn College and at the Latin/Greek Institute of City University of New York. Dr. Gerald M. Quinn was Dean of the College at Lincoln Center, Fordham University.
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Most helpful customer reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
The main problem with this book is the overwhelming size of the units. This not only makes it quite difficult to work through the exercises since you have to digest so much morphology to be able to do them, but it also means that by the end of the book, though you will have a good grasp of syntax and morphology, your working vocabulary will still be quite small. I also found the order in which the grammatical concepts are presented to be somewhat unnatural - the subjunctive and optative are introduced before you have a good feel for the indicative mood and its endings. The verb forms are presented in such quick succession that I ended up not feeling very comfortable with them.
On the plus side, though, the basic concepts morphology and syntax are explained very thoroughly and clearly, and the vocabulary notes (usage notes on each individual word, possible alternative meanings, idiomatic uses, etc.) were quite helpful. There were also plenty of drills and reading sentences for practice. Overall, I'd say this book might be well suited to its original purpose - a workshop setting where all of basic grammar is covered in 6 weeks - but for the general reader it is a bit too dense. For the aspiring self-taught Classicist, I'd recommend Mastronarde. I myself ended up switching over to his book after 10 units of Hansen and Quinn, and find it to be better balanced overall, with shorter, more approachable units, and better organized chapter vocabularies.
On the plus side, though, the basic concepts morphology and syntax are explained very thoroughly and clearly, and the vocabulary notes (usage notes on each individual word, possible alternative meanings, idiomatic uses, etc.) were quite helpful. There were also plenty of drills and reading sentences for practice. Overall, I'd say this book might be well suited to its original purpose - a workshop setting where all of basic grammar is covered in 6 weeks - but for the general reader it is a bit too dense. For the aspiring self-taught Classicist, I'd recommend Mastronarde. I myself ended up switching over to his book after 10 units of Hansen and Quinn, and find it to be better balanced overall, with shorter, more approachable units, and better organized chapter vocabularies.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By David Purger
Format:Paperback
I picked up this book recently with a friend with the intention of learning Attic Greek. We are both Latin students, and having heard many good things about this book, we decided to try it.
After just a few weeks of work, I can already see the difference between this text and others: this book assumes that the reader is capable of understanding a language vastly more complicated than English. Having a strong background in Latin and an open mind definitely helps, though; I don't suggest using this text if you lack either of these qualities.
However, if you are planning to work alone, this may not be the best option: the title does not lie when it reads "Intensive." I know that working with a friend has helped me so far, and I can only imagine how much help a qualified instructor would be.
After the first few units, I was already finding myself reading and understanding parts of Plato's Republic and other authentic Greek texts.
Either way, I highly recommend this series over the other Greek texts out there, and i hope you pick this one up.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Hansen and the late and sadly missed Quinn put together in the 1970's what is well nigh the only elementary Greek text worth considering. Greek: An Intensive Course covers in 20 units and an appendix what other courses cannot aspire to manage in multiple volumes (e.g., the disgraceful Athenaze series). Hansen and Quinn provide a solid and rigorous foundation in morphology and syntax. Ancient Greek is not supposed to be easy; it is as it is and any attempt to dilute its reality does a disservice to people who actually want to read the classical authors. The only disappointment is that I would have suggested to the authors that space be devoted in the appendix to a discussion of the dialects, especially the Homeric, along with readings of other passages than Attic Greek. The book's readings are perhaps the only weakness in a largely flawless text; there is far too much of an emphasis on Plato and the orators at the expense of historians and tragedians. Most students today will not care to learn so much grammar just to read the Gorgias...without Homer and mythology forget keeping most people's interest today. But for the serious student who does not need to be coaxed into learning her or his lessons, this is the text to use.
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4.4 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Greek textbook
Greek: An intensive course by Hansen and Quinn is the best Greek textbook I've worked with so far. It explains the grammar you need to know up front and in detail, which is very... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Fritz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful resource!
I am currently using this book to learn Greek with a friend. It is VERY helpful and easy to understand. Read more
Published on Feb 1 2003
3.0 out of 5 stars
I don't want to recommend because...
This book seemed to me popular, so I bought.
It was my first book of Greek, so i cannot compare with other books. But there were some problems in it.
It was my first book of Greek, so i cannot compare with other books. But there were some problems in it.
1. Read more
Published on Jan 22 2003 by Park Y J
1.0 out of 5 stars
I don't want to recommend because...
Other reveiews are too generous for this book.
This book seemed popular, so I bought.
It was my first book of Greek, so i cannot compare with other books. Read more
This book seemed popular, so I bought.
It was my first book of Greek, so i cannot compare with other books. Read more
Published on Jan 21 2003 by Park Y J
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not Perfect But There's Not Anything Much Better
As complex as Ancient Greek is, trying to organize the key grammatical concepts in an understandable and concise manner is a daunting challenge. Read more
Published on July 17 2002
4.0 out of 5 stars
Learn Greek
There are two books in Greek language instruction, "Greek: an Intensive Course," and Clyde Pharr's "Homeric Greek." All others are mere pretenders. Read more
Published on May 23 2002 by Patrick Walsh
4.0 out of 5 stars
Learn Greek
There are two books in Greek language instruction, "Greek: an Intensive Course," and Clyde Pharr's "Homeric Greek." All others are mere pretenders. Read more
Published on May 23 2002 by Patrick Walsh
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pragmatic, clear, concise, excellent
I used this book in an extension/evening class at a local college. I quickly got to like and respect it. The book is very pragmatic. It is hard-nosed and hard-headed. Read more
Published on May 14 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great text
I began my study @ the University of Washington three months ago and have finished half of the Hansen and Quinn text. Read more
Published on Dec 14 2001 by Brendan Haug
3.0 out of 5 stars
please someone, write a new Greek textbook
This is by far the best textbook around for teaching Ancient Greek and yet it is terrible. The individual units are far far too big for one lesson and the exercises cannot easily... Read more
Published on Nov 20 2001
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