Ad Infinitum: A Biography of Latin - Hardcover

Ostler, Nicholas

3.76

446 ratings by Goodreads

9780007221752: Ad Infinitum: A Biography of Latin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0007221754 ISBN 13: 9780007221752

Publisher: HarperPress, 2007

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A detailed and in-depth biography of the Latin language from its very beginnings to the present day from the widely acclaimed author of ‘Empires of the Word’.

The Latin language has been a constant in the cultural history of the West for over two millennia. It has shaped the way we think of ourselves and of our (central) place in the world. It has formed and united us as Europeans, has been the foundation of our education for centuries and defined the way in which we express our thoughts, our faith and our knowledge of the workings of the world. And yet, Latin began life as the cumbersome dialect of a small southern Italian city-state.

Its active use lasted three times as long as Rome's Empire and its use echoes on in the law codes of half the world, in terminologies of biology and medicine, and until forty years ago in the litany of the Catholic Church, the most populous form of Christianity.

In ‘Ad Infinitum’, Nicholas Ostler examines the reasons why Latin made such a long-lasting impact on language, and how it managed to stay alive for two millennia despite the cultural superiority of Greek. He will look at how Latin's sturdy roots remained untouched while empires rose and fell, the influence of religion and war, and the ways it has progressed through medieval times right up until the present day.

The Latin language has proved more far reaching than its creators. Today it continues to define the way our societies have developed technologically and scientifically and the way we practise law and worship our Christian God.

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Review:

‘An unstuffy guide that does not rquire Latin for full enjoyment. It is enlivened not only by the author's fascination with etymologies but also by his comparative approach.’ Financial Times

‘Fascinating...lightly worn but hugely impressive scholarship...wonderfully learned and entertaining.’ New Statesman

"a survey whose verve and intelligence are as exhilarating as its historical sweep" Guardian

Praise for ‘Empires of the Word’:

‘It is a compelling read, one of the most interesting books I have read in a long while...a great book. After reading it you will never think of language in the same way again.’ Guardian

‘Learned and entertaining...remarkably comprehensive as well as thought-provoking.’ Observer

'Ostler is particularly good on this linguistic fragility...This richly various book offers new insights and information for almost everyone interested in the past.' Sunday Telegraph

‘A serious work of scholarship, but one that can be read from cover to cover by the amateur enthusiast...the breadth of this analysis is breathtaking...it does its job admirably.’ Spectator

'Ambitious and well-researched.' New Statesman

About the Author:

Nicholas Ostler is a scholar and scientist of languages, who has a working knowledge of 26 languages and who, five years ago, set up the Foundation for Endangered Languages, an international organisation, to provide funding and support to document and revitilise languages in peril. Nicholas Ostler is the author of ‘Empires of the Word’.

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