Grammar of the Latin Language
From Plautus to Suetonius

An 1870s descriptive grammar of Latin, still remarkable for its breadth of examples and depth of analysis.

Henry John Roby (Author)

9781108011235, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 May 2010

672 pages
21.6 x 3.8 x 14 cm, 0.84 kg

Henry John Roby (1830–1915) was a Cambridge-educated classicist whose influential career included periods as a schoolmaster, professor of Roman law, businessman, educational reformer and Member of Parliament. His two-volume Grammar of the Latin Language reveals his innovative, descriptive approach to grammar, which situates thorough analysis of the Latin language within the historical context of the writings themselves, or, as Roby puts it, setting 'example above precept' in order to put grammar 'in the proper light, as an account of what men do say, not a theory of what they should say'. Drawing examples from the corpus of classical writings dating from circa 200 BCE. to 120 CE; this second volume (1875) is devoted to syntax, including a complete analysis of cases, tense, and mood. A work of remarkable breadth and depth, Roby's book remains an essential resource for both historical linguistics and the study of Latin grammar.

Preface
Book IV. Syntax: 1. Classification of words
2. Parts of a simple sentence and use of parts of speech
3. Of the different kinds of sentences
4. Order of words and sentences
5. Use of noun inflexions
6. Use of cases
7. Use of nominative case
8. Use of accusative case
9. Use of dative case
10. Use of locative and ablative cases
11. Use of genitive cases
12. Use of infinitive
13. Tenses of infinitive, when used
14. Use of verbal nouns, especially the gerund and gerundive
15. Use of verb inflexion
16. Use of verbal inflexions of person and number
17. Of indicative and imperative moods and their tenses
18. Of the subjunctive mood and its tenses
19. Typical examples of subjunctive mood and its tenses
20. Use of moods in hypothetical and conditional clauses
21. Use of subjunctive mood to express desire
22. Use of subjunctive mood to express causation
23. Use of subjunctive mood to express alien or contingent assertions
24. Of reported speech
Supplement
Index.

Subject Areas: Language: history & general works [CBX]