David Stifter's Sengoidelc (SHAN-goy-delth) provides a comprehensive introduction to Old Irish grammar and metrics. Ideally suited for use as a course text and as a guide for the independent learner, this exhaustive handbook is also an invaluable reference work for students of Indo-European philology and historical linguistics. The author's step-by-step presentation in an engaging styles lead the novice through the idiosyncracies of the language, such as initial mutations and the double inflection of verbs. Filled with translation exercises based on selections from Old Irish texts, the book provides a practical introduction to the language and its rich history. Sengoidle opens the door to the fascinating world of Old Irish literature, famous not only for such gems as the Tain Bo Cuailgne (The Cattle Raid of Cuailgne) or lyrical nature poetry but also as a major source for the political and legal history of Ireland.

While teaching Old Irish, Stifter (U.of Vienna) realized that the existing textbooks assumed students knew Latin, but in the late 20th centuries, explanation by reference to Latin constructions were no help to students. His text is designed to allow absolute novices to learn the language on their own or with the guidance of a teacher. Old Irish was spoken and written from about 400 to about 900 AD.
Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

While teaching Old Irish, Stifter (U.of Vienna) realized that the existing textbooks assumed students knew Latin, but in the late 20th centuries, explanation by reference to Latin constructions were no help to students. His text is designed to allow absolute novices to learn the language on their own or with the guidance of a teacher. Old Irish was spoken and written from about 400 to about 900 AD. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)