FOREWORD

This grammar is directed primarily to college students especially those who have some acquaintance with another Romance language. Its aim is to cover the fundamentals of Italian in a semester thereby enabling the student to proceed to a literature course somewhat earlier. The sixteen lessons fit easily into a half-year semester, although the instructor may well choose to omit some of the exercises in favor of simple readings.
The approach is adult. Grammar and rules are presented succinctly under standard topic headings. Exercise materials are abundant and varied with the result that the book adapts easily to any procedure the instructor may favor. Review and examination units are included. The appendix contains a brief selection of reading materials as well as special vocabularies for composition and conversation. A separate Laboratory Manual is available.
The grammar will serve equally well as a short review text for the third semester, particularly if the optional material is stressed. I take this occasion to express to my colleague, Mr. Thomas Donnan, my appreciation for a number of helpful suggestions which have been incorporated into the second edition.

Gifford P. Orwen