Essential Italian Grammar (Dover Language Guides Essential Grammar) by Olga Ragusa
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Book Reviews of Essential Italian Grammar (Dover Language Guides Essential Grammar)
Book Review: The only grammar book you really need
Summary: 5 Stars
I love the entire Dover Essential Grammar series, and I actually own most of them. I used Ragusa's Essential Italian Grammar in my language preparation for a trip to Italy last year, and it works extremely well.
It isn't going to teach you enough vocabulary for true facility with the language, of course, but that isn't its function -- it's meant to encapsulate all the basic grammar of the language in a very clear and concise form. Because of its size, I was able to go through it numerous times -- and each time, a little bit more sticks. A far superior approach to going through a large, padded, overly wordy grammar full of redundant exercises and dialogues just once. It also works very well as a quick reference guide which you can easily and quickly open up to precisely what you need to refresh yourself on.
It goes without saying that you're still going to need a good dictionary or other book(s) to help you acquire vocabulary. But for the basic grammar, this one slim volume is all you really need.
Book Review: Great Supplement to an audio course!
Summary: 5 Stars
Essential Grammar is tremendously helpful, but don't expect to sit down and simply read it. It's a great supplement for those attempting to learn Italian who are taking courses or using audio trainers. Especially if you are using audio trainers, this helps fill the holes as to certain conjugations or particular usages of pronouns, articles etc. I crack it open every day and read different sections or review certain rules of speech I don't yet have clear in my mind.
I think if you get a good phrase book/dictionary, an audio course and "Essential Italian Grammar," you can prepare yourself to learn conversational italian without ever setting foot in a classroom.
Book Review: A Book To Love
Summary: 5 Stars
If you just want to get a firm understanding of the language or do not want to get into the more academic intricacies of Italian grammar right away, this book will suit you quite well. It has the advantages of simplicity and good organization, taking you through articles, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, verbs etc. at a nice easy pace with some good vocabulary to learn along the way. The referencing and indexing of the sections of the book make referring back to areas for a reread quite easy. This book will definitely give you a nice start in Italian or enhance any skills you have already in a quick read.Book Review: The best book on Italian grammar
Summary: 5 Stars
If you want a good reference book for Italian grammar, this is the one to buy. Ragusa manages to get lots of information on every page with no wasted space or words. Also, and very important to me, she gives literal translations as well as common usage for those who are trying to learn the lanuage. I just wish the book would be updated. You will find "egli" for he and other outdated words. That's like using "thou" in English. "Egli" hasn't been used in decades. Still, if you are interested in an excellent book on grammar, this is the one to have.Book Review: A definite help for adults learning Italian
Summary: 5 Stars
I teach Italian in an adult school program, often adults need a quick resource regarding Italian grammar and English grammar. The glossary of grammatical terms regarding English is a must read first, then the Italian grammar falls into place. Even though the book is a 1963 publication, it is extremely helpful today( 2008) I plan to give the book to my advanced students as a reward for their dedication to studying Italian.
Tullio Bertini
Author of Trapped in Tuscany