FRENCH MASTER; Elementary Grammar, DESIGNED ΤΟ Facilitate the Study of the French Language: WITH PRACTICAL EXERCISES, UPON A NEW AND IMPROVED PLAN. BY P. MAGGI, TEACHER OF MODERN LANGUAGES, YORK. Gutta cavat lapidem, non vi, sed sæpe cadendo : HORACE London: PUBLISHED BY BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY; SOLD ALSO BY W. ALEXANDER AND SON, AND T. WEMYSS, YORK; AND BY ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL BODLEIAN LIBRARY 31 MAY. 83 OXFORD Printed by W. ALEXANDER and Son, PREFACE. The great number of Grammars that have been published in this country, for facilitating the attainment of the French Language, and the distinguished reception which some of them have met with, has encouraged the publication of the present work; which the author hopes will receive a portion of the public patronage, from its Simplicity and Brevity; points which he conceives, ought to be chiefly studied in all Elementary works, so far as they can be consistently with perspicuity and sufficient information. The Author having been employed for more than twenty years in the instruction of Youth of both Sexes, has had sufficient opportunity of being convinced by experience, that Grammatical Treatises which are too much extended, are not suited to young persons. For this reason he has been induced to attempt the composition of a work more condensed, and at the same time less obscure; and, by subjoining Themes quite familiar, suited to every kind of conversation, and adapted to the different Rules, to furnish sufficient materials within the compass of one volume, for a ready understanding and practical application of grammatical principles. He has given the whole of the Grammar in French, being assured by experience, that the Pupil, after receiving Six lessons, will be able to translate it readily; and, by being questioned and replying in that language, and at the same time thoroughly comprehending the meaning of what he is asked, will, in a short time, adopt the pronunciation and accent of the Teacher. How far the Author has succeeded in accomplishing his designs, it is not for him to determine. He can, however, with propriety, affirm, that so far as he has already adopted this method, either in public or in private tuition, it has completely answered every expectation, and has been allowed to facilitate, in no common degree, the acquisition of one of the finest and most useful languages in Europe. The Author has an Italian Grammar ready for the press, upon the same System, should the present work meet with encouragement. |