Product Description: This classic presents outstanding works as models for writing. Readings illustrate a variety of topics, themes, styles, and techniques. Each chapter contains explanations and activities for vocabulary development, comprehension, interpretation, style, translation, and free composition. It focuses primarily on the literary text, vocabulary and writing skills, and emphasizes control of language through lexical and grammatical precision.
Great Quality The book was in great shape when I bought it. The pages were not dog-earred nor was the cover. There was minimal highlighting and writing in the book. There were stains or spots on the book.
Spanish Composition through Literature I didn't receive this book for weeks after I ordered it, I am very disappointed with this purchase. Although it was in great condition after I finally received it.
Excellent advanced text, though more grammar than composition This is an excellent advanced Spanish textbook, with well-chosen selections from Spanish-language literature. I teach college-level grammar and composition courses and find the vocabulary and grammar explanations both clear and thorough. It's important to note that this is definitely a text for advanced students; beginning and even intermediate students will likely find it too difficult
I must comment on an earlier review - no one should judge an advanced text by what one native speaker says about colloquial usage. Not only does this vary from country to country, but one also has to keep in mind that this text is intended to improve Spanish writing skills. Written language tends to be more formal, so it's not surprising that some of the vocabulary here is not often heard in everyday language. Advanced students of the language should not just be learning "everyday" words; they also need more learned and formal vocabulary. This text does a very good job of giving students just that. To give an analogy from English, just because we don't run around saying words like "despondent" or "prevalent" all day long doesn't mean they aren't valid English words that most educated speakers know how to use.
The only reason this text does not get 5 stars from me is that I consider it more of a grammar text than a composition text - there aren't many writing exercises, and so I think the title is a bit misleading. A more accurate title would be "Spanish Grammar Through Literature"
Incorrect material in a well organized format Although the vocabulary is mostly correct, a native Mexican speaker in my 317 class commented that many words are rather irrevelant to everyday conversation. The grammar sections are mostly accurate but presented in a format more difficult to follow than I have seen in other texts. The danger is in all the mistypings, incorrect grammar usages and regionally variable vocabulary interspersed within the accurate information. Too many times the professor asked us to please disregard this word or that sentence, and she often expressed frustration with the book, which makes me wonder why she asked us to use it in the first place. The bottom line is there are plenty of good books out there that do a better job.
Not as good as they say... I took an advanced Spanish class at the University level this semester. This was the book required for that class...The only good thing in this book was the vocabulary after each chapter. It lists different words and it's synonyms. But the grammatical lessons in this book were truly worthless. The exercises provided here were not too good. Even my professor said that they weren't good. Since there was a change in professor after the second week of school...she couldn't go back and ask us to buy new books when we had already bought this one. So she instead wrote up exercises on her own and we practiced this way. If it's required to have this book...I suggest to buy a spanish grammar review book to complement this book. Something like the ultimate Spanish Review for intermediate and advanced learners. Otherwise...I'd go for a better book.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
