Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases

Et Cetera is a refreshing dusting-off of the genre of classical phrase compendiums, sure to appeal to wide range of curious readers. Each of the fifty phrases comes with a lively illustration, author attribution, date, literary source, and a short essay on the phrase’s use and place in Roman culture. Clearly a work of love, written by one of a new breed of classicists, this is a delightful following of Horace’s inducement to make writing dulce et utile, both enjoyable and instructive—but you knew that, didn’t you?

To those claiming Latin is dead, I say res ipsa loquitur — the thing speaks for itself — in children's cartoons, Hollywood cartoons and enduring epics. As a fan of both Mr. Peabody and the Muses, the idea of combining Maia Lee-Chin's thoughtful scholarship and Marta Bertello's dynamic artistry is captivating. Their new book reimagines the world of Latin's invention and tops my summer reading list. (Aug. 27)

Et Cetera is my Roman Empire. Literally. You would think a reference book of Latin phrases could not possibly make you cry. You would be wrong. Maia’s extraordinary gift for storytelling breathes life into a language often considered dead by bringing a fresh, funny, and poignant perspective to everyday sayings such as carpe diem (seize the day) and omnia vincit amor (love conquers all). Each lovingly illustrated phrase becomes a portal to a Rome we don’t often see—not only the Rome of Julius Caesar and Augustus, but also of the Carthaginian Queen Dido, the love-struck poetess Sulpicia, and the multitudes of enslaved people fighting for freedom, whose names were lost to oppression and time but whose strength reverberates and inspires to this day. In short, carpe diem and read this book.

Et Cetera is a fascinating and beautiful introduction to Latin, infused with history and literature from the ancient world. It’s so wonderfully tailored to lovers of the ancient Mediterranean that it will intrigue even the most staunch Hellenophiles (like me).