Latin Matters: A Little Knowledge Is a Dangerous Thing

by Simon R.H. James

Latin is a tricky subject that comes under assault from all kinds of non cognoscenti who claim its anachronistic tendencies as an easy target. From the spells of Harry Potter to the origins of everyday phrases and the terms that litter law and medicine, this is a fascinating treasure trove of facts about Latin that demonstrates that this supposedly dead language is in fact both important and contemporary. Did you know that the Hogwart's school motto, draco dormiens nunquam titillandus means "a sleeping dragon should never be tickled"? Or that orbis non sufficit on James Bond's coat of arms means "the world is not enough"? Or that a scientist with a wicked sense of humor gave a water beetle the Latin name of Ytu Brutus? Perfect for enthusiasts and novices a like, this is entertaining evidence that there’s nothing boring about ancient languages.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published August 4, 2008

About the author

Simon R.H. James is a Latin teacher and the author of a number of texts on Latin. He also conducted ten years of research to write a comprehensive film and street index covering over 750 films and 1,500 London streets.

Reviews

[ChristineK]

Latin Matters is a fun little book that proves the relevance of Latin today. It covers an interesting array of topics: Latin in the cinema, University mottoes, Roman Emperors(and the movies they inspired), legal Latin, U.S. state mottoes, etc.. There are quizzes with puns that are groan-worthy but cute. Reading this book is even more enjoyable than doing Latin Quizzes on Google Chrome.

[Norma J.]

Very amusing and a must for every Harry Potter nerd! Some information was a little redundant though, at least if you're not particularily interested in James Bond... I bought in in a 2Pound Bookstore and probably wouldn't have bought it had it been more expensive...Very charming overall.

[Kevin de Ataíde]

Tiny little fact-book, written by a Latin school-teacher, demonstrating the omni-presence of Latin in our world and popular culture. Items of interest: translations of the Harry Potter incantations, Latin in the Cinema, Latin in Astérix, little histories of Roman Emperors.