Product Description

Learn verb skills and communicate confidently in a new language

Building on the authors’ bestselling The Ultimate Review and Practice series, this book is your best bet to mastering the often tricky verb forms and key sentence structures of the French language. The Ultimate French Verb Review and Practice offers a step-by-step program for experienced beginners through advanced learners to understand how different verb forms work and use that knowledge to build increasingly sophisticated sentences in French. No other book on the market combines guidance and practice in verb formation and usage with tips on the 18 most commonly used sentence models.

Customer Reviews (25)

Kindle is not useful to make small text larger
I wanted to have this on my Kindle however when reviewing the free trial it was obvious that the exercises and lists must be in a different format and do not augment the letters/exercises at all and some are very very small on a kindle screen. I hope a remedy for this issue with Kindle and various study books becomes available very soon, maybe Kindle 4??

A little messy
It's a great book, and easy enough for me because I studied french and just wanted to brush up. But I think for someone who hasn't taken 8 years of french, the book might be a little all over the place. Maybe not, its different for everyone.

Great intermediate practice, but some non-standard colloquial phrases
Some of the colloquial phrases (vous autres) specifically, are not clearly listed as French or French-canadian. I am brushing up on my French since my best friend is moving there and marrying a Frenchman and he said he had never heard someone in France use vous autres (He is from Normandy, lives in Toulouse). Upon some investigation this is a French-canadian thing. If that kind of thing had been noted, I'd give this 5 stars.As it is, it makes me less confident to use the more colloquial options the book teaches.

That said, the bulk of the book is great. The layout of the book is wonderful with sufficient space to actually do the exercises in the book.This is great for independent home usage since I like to be able to go back and review later.The exercises themselves are well-planned. The verbs are defined in groups with similarity of (prendre, apprendre, comprendre) and/or endings (-er verbs).I really like how there are explanations of connections which I might not have noticed on my own.Like how the endings for some irregular -ir verbs are just the singular endings for -er verbs.Ok, I know those already!These types of connections make this book worth more than just memorizing verb conjugations.

I do find it is helpful to have a dictionary handy, since many of the exercises are given where you need to make whole sentences and not all of the other words are defined.At my level though, looking up a couple words per page is actually a benefit, but if you were an early French learner, it might be tough since they do not translate all of the sentences.

More than a verb review book
Out of all the French language study books that I have, I think that this one is the most useful.I'm not a newbie to French and for me the thing that I have the hardest time unraveling is all of the verb tenses.That is because once you get a decent amount of French vocabulary and grammar under your belt, that stays relatively static in the language and it is the verbs that become the key to being able to understand and express yourself in the language.

perfect
I bought this for my francofile husband who is extremely particular - he loved it. It is the perfect book for someone who already has basic french language skills and needs to learn more about conjugation and vocabulary. ... Read more

Product Description

Get up and running with French

Easy French Step-by-Step proves that a solid grounding in grammar basics is the key to mastering a second language. You are quickly introduced to grammatical rules and concepts inorder of importance, which you can build on as you progress through the book. You will also learn more than 300 verbs, chosen by their frequency of use. Numerous exercises and engagingreadings help you quickly build your speaking and comprehension prowess.

Customer Reviews (7)

Absolutement!
I had looked for this version at our local book-seller and they did not carry the series.Such a shame because it is a great book for learning a second language and has fabulous resources for verbs and grammar.

Good
This is a great book.I would recommend it to anyone who is a beginner or intermediate learner.However, the company that shipped it is extremely slow and and DO NOT recommend buying from them again.

Never received product
Yes I purchased these bookes. However, I have not received these books. They are not shipped to the moment. It is the worset shipping service I have ever experinced ?

Great for "returning to the basics" too!
I purchased this book to review and reinforce what I already know about beginner-level French. I think "mastering" the basics (I use the term loosely) is key to building a solid foundation in French grammar--much like practicing scales on piano even if you're a virtuoso.The explanations and examples are clear, and the exercises are fun to do.

Great
A great book to get you started with French. Learn the vocabulary and grammar and then go for some reading practice, eg. with A B C Petits Contes (French Edition) and Nouveaux Contes de Fées pour les Petits Enfants: Fairy Tales in French (French Edition). ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (30)

Very good, am pleased
This is a course with realistic situations.It seems friendly.Good learning tool.

repetitio mater studiorum est
I like this series alot. As is noted in these CDs, repetition is the mother of skill. There is lots of repetition here, which is really helpful. I have some of the SmartFrench CDs too. They actually complement each other - I feel like with the Behind the Wheel CDs, I'm learning alot of vocabulary and how better to build little sentences. With the SmartFrench series, the focus is on how French is really spoken, ie, using "tu" as well as "vous," using "on" as "we" instead of "nous," and using contractions (although I do like that BTW teaches the "nous" form). SmartFrench also seems to be more helpful for listening comprehension. I don't like that in the BTW series, for the first listening comprehension exercise anyways, Celine (who does have a very pretty, "listenable" voice, as someone else noted) will say a sentence of the little story in French, and then it is translated immediately into English by the English speaker. The SmartFrench way of doing listening comprehension is better, imo - you're introduced to real conversations earlier, and you're able to listen to the conversation in its entirety in French. There is no spoken English translation; the English translation is there, but it's printed in the accompanying booklet. I like though that BTW has *everything* translated in writing in the booklet - it's helpful to read what is being said, esp since French sounds so different than it looks.

I couldn't say that one product here is better than the other, although I think the SmartFrench way of going through real French conversations to determine what words/phrases were used the most is pretty clever. Both series are great, just in different ways!

Useful CD's but book needs work
As I always say when people ask me about products that they can buy to learn a language, I always tell them that learning a language requires more than just one set of CD's or just one book. The CD course is useful and interesting, and it definitely works in the car.If you're looking to practice speaking some basic French during your commute, then this set is for you.Don't expect fluency, but if you're heading to Paris or France in the near future, you'll gain some insight into the language.The accompanying book is a bit weak (with a few tiny errors) but otherwise it's worth the money.The book has some interesting tips and insight, but I learned more from the CD's.

If you're not expecting miracles, then purchase without reservation.If you're looking for something more, then look elsewhere.

Great Learning Tool, With Some Observations
Let me start by saying that I took two years of French in high school.While certainly not an exhaustive treatment of a language, it was a sufficient grounding in the language.Sadly, I have forgotten much of it, but this CD set has become a great review tool for me.

I like the packaging of this CD set.It contains six CDs in a nice cd-sized folder-style case.Each pocket of the case contains a very interesting quote from someone famous about learning a language.This was a nice touch.It also includes a workbook with the dialogue from the CDs, which is important as you will discover if you try this method.

Upon listening to the CDs while driving, it immediatley became obvious to me that some of the material in this "behind the wheel" format is easier to learn/re-learn because I had prior experience with the language.In other words, when I encounter a word or phrase on the CD that I am supposed to learn, but already know, it seems easier.New words are seemingly more difficult in this format.Why? For words I have encountered in the past, I know how the word is spelled and how it is used already.Knowing the spelling of a new word is the crucial point I am trying to make here.You don't get that from the CDs alone.You must use the workbook or a dictionary to augment what you learn on the CDs.Otherwise, you are just repeating something you memorized when you heard it.In effect, you are only memorizing, and not understanding until you engage the language on a higher level.Thankfully, the workbook is provided and is a nice addition.It meets the need I am describing, but you must use it.Please don't use it while driving!!

It features a english-speaking man and a woman naqmed Celine.She sounds like a native French speaker to me, which is great.It is nice to hear the language in the accent and tone of a native speaker.

Overall, this is an excellent tool for learning the language. I was skeptical at first about the idea of learning while driving, but now realize it does work...with repetition.Again, it is crucial to continue your learning experience when you are not "behind the wheel" or you might not reap the full benefits of learning a second language.

Extremely Considerate of the Learner
I must admit I have only listened to the first disc (over and over!), because I like to have a firm grasp of what I have learned, before I go on.

But I would rate the advantages of this program as this: 1)It is well-constructed and all ties together; 2)Celine, a Frenchwoman, speaks the French words and phrases (so there are no affected French accents, and she does NOT go too fast!); 3)the narrator, Mark Frobose, explains exactly what is happening, and its implications; and 4)the guidebook follows the audio very closely, with audio transcripts (for each disc) in the back of the book--very helpful for visual people like myself.

I recommend this product very highly, and intend to buy the soon-comingpart 2 after I have thoroughly learned part 1.

Would that all teachers, of all subjects, were as adroit as Frobose!

Addendum, January, 2010: To really understand the rules of French grammar and syntax, I recommend "Beginning French--A Cultural Approach" by Hendrix and Meiden. We use this in my French class and it is INVALUABLE. ... Read more

Product Description
This practical, inexpensive volume features over 1,000 common French words, each accompanied by a French sentence demonstrating proper usage. Also included are definitions arranged by such categories as family, food, numbers, and more. (These words are not repeated in the alphabetical section.). A page of Vocabulary Tips explains how to easily recognize hundreds of French/English cognates.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Meh...
Ce n'est pas le meilleur livre sur le monde, mais, il marche.Fondamentalement, c'est un dictionaire.

For 2 bucks you can't beat it.
This is a fantastic little book. 1001 words arranged in French alphabetical order, each with common definition and example. There are also some helpful guides and word lists (like numbers, family member, etc.) included.

Disappointed
If possible to give minus stars for this booklet I would do so.I fail to understand how anyone would give this book 5 stars.
There is one very essential thing missing.

1001 Most Useful French Words- How can it be useful if there is no pronunciation guide?This book is in no way helpful as a self-help book for beginners.

From back of book-Students of French......will prize this practical and inexpensive book.

OK I made the erroneous assumption from the reviews that it had phonetic pronunciations however there was nothing in the reviews that indicated otherwise.

From the title I thought "this will be good for basic sentence structure'. Well, it will be once I can pronounce the words.

Thankfully I paid very little for this booklet because as I titled this review I am disappointed.

Godd reference book,...
This is a great reference book, but don't expect practical applications. After all it is a tiny book.
Good to pick up vocab though.

Handy Book to Learn French Words
Great guide that can help you learn French words anywhere.I read it on the treadmill and while flying.Each word has corresponding English word and a sentence in English and French.Excellent guide. ... Read more

Product Description

A fun and easy new way to quickly acquire or enhance basic reading skills

These unique guides are based on the premise that the best way to learn a language is to start reading it, immediately. Suitable for raw beginners to intermediate-level language learners, the new editions of these popular titles feature engaging readings of progressive difficulty that allow learners to rapidly build comprehension.

Easy French Reader begins with the adventures of two friends, an American and a Parisian, as they learn about their respective cultures. This is followed by readings on the history of France, from ancient Gaul to the present. The final section features four abridged short stories by famous French authors.

Similarly, Easy Spanish Reader begins with the story of two high school seniors involved with their Spanish Club, followed by a history of Mexico, from the Conquistadors to the present, and an abridged version of the classic story of "Lazarillo de Tormes."

• Progressive format makes it easy to quickly build comprehension
• Marginal word glossaries conveniently present new words and phrases
• Exercises challenge comprehension and build reading skills

Attractive new editions, fully updated and featuring appealing new artwork and expanded exercises

Customer Reviews (52)

Great tool!
Great book.My students were surprised how easy it was for them to read.After last year's rigorous grammar program, they were pleasantly surprised that their hard work is paying off so nicely.The bite-sized stories and background info for each one help build the students' interest in and knowledge of the characters presented throughout, as well as continuing the on-going process toward enlarging their vocab base.I especially like the questions at the end of each story that prompt the students to pay attention to the details of the story and challenge their memories and skills at answering in complete sentences in French.I always assign this aspect as homework.Highly recommend as a nice addition to French I or II student curriculum.

I love it!
I home school a 9, 7, and 6 year old.This is a great resource for a child who is only barely familiar with french.The text has questions at the end.The answers to the questions are in the text so the child must reread the text to find the answers.The difficulty increases throughout the book.

Its Exactly What It States in the Title
This is a great little book, and it is exactly what the title says it is.The historical chapters are interesting which make reading easier.The French is not difficult; therefore, if you are reviewing French after many years of not studying, its a great book to get your brain thinking in French again.If you are a beginner with basic knowledge, its a great way to put it together to encourage you to keep reading.Great book.

Steadily increases difficulty.
This book is great! The difficulty of the language steadily increases, but in a non-intimidating way, and words are reinforced frequently. The dictionary in the back (contains only words used in the book) is very helpful, as are the inline translations for new words/phrases as they are encountered in the text. I would definitely recommend this book. Now I feel much more confident reading and understanding French in context!

My Book Review
A great book for someone learning French.Begins with elementary stories and gradually works up to more advanced.I am so glad I bought it. ... Read more

Product Description
Ten unusual stories by French literary masters from Voltaire to Camus: "Micromégas," by Voltaire; "The Atheist’s Mass" by Balzac; "The Legend of St. Julian the Hospitaler" by Flaubert; "Spleen of Paris" by Baudelaire; "Minuet" by de Maupassant; "The Guest" by Camus, and four more. Accurate English translations appear on pages facing the original French. Also included are a French-English vocabulary list, oral and writing exercises. Critical introductions.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Too Literary for the Living
The stories chosen for this book are deadly boring, with one exception. Of all the stories of
Maupassant from Madame Fifi to The Diary of a Madman, he has chosen a precious bit of descriptive
banality called Menuet. It depends on your taste. This book made me yawn.

A great way to brush up on your French
The English translations are not much to brag about, but they are there to serve a specific purpose: enabling us to read the original French.When we are engaged on such a project, we actually do not care about the beauty of the English translations: we need a trot, pretty much.

What matters more, I think, is whether the short stories are worth reading, and here Wallace Fowlie has scored a major triumph.Maupassant's "Menuet" and Balzac's "La Messe de l'Athee" are simply superb, and I look forward to reading the rest!

Perversion
The translations needlessly deviate from the French, idiomatically and semantically and stylistly and syntactically, and the selection indicates a weird religious bent.So, as a teaching tool, this book best serves intermediate students of French, persons who can recognize the deviations.It could derail the progress of beginners.

Voltaire, who cares?
When I was in college I was fluent in French.I have lost some of that ease in the ensuing years, but can still read French.I decided to get some dual-language books to polish up my reading skills.I discovered however, that I can read and understand Voltaire, but really don't enjoy the stories.Perhaps a book with more current literature would have been better.

Boss is enjoying this book gift
My boss, who has been taking French lessons, is enjoying this book and it arrived promptly and in good shape. ... Read more

Product Description
Developed by the experts at Living Language, this course has everything you need to learn French from scratch or to revive the French that you learned years ago. Ultimate French combines conversation and culture in an easy-to-follow, enjoyable, and effective format. It’s the perfect way to learn French for school, travel, work, or personal enrichment. In this book you’ll find:

• 40 lessons with lively dialogues including the most common and useful idiomatic expressions.
• English translations and explanations of French grammar and usage, pronunciation, vocabulary, and cultural notes.
• Quizzes and review sections to check your progress.
• A complete summary of French grammar, and verb charts covering all major tenses.
• An extensive two-way glossary. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Perfect delivery timing
Ultimate french Beginner is a gr8 book and it came in a pretty quick manner and in good condition.

the best for self learning

this is the best method of self study I've found, better than the one sold in France (Pons)
I was surprised that in two weeks I could understand and respond to a Frenchman when he ordered food and asked for directions. if you have interest and motivation the rest is a breeze

Really helpful in learning French
I'm learning French with a tutor but find this very useful to play in the car to get used to spoken French.The companion book is also well set out and a useful adjunct to my tutor's materials.

Good source of dialogue and vocabulary
I have the prior edition of this book, but this does not look that different.This book uses a series of dialogues in simulated real life situations you are likely to encounter to illustrate the subjects of the particular lesson.These dialogues (assuming you also buy the audio CDs) are very useful in learning pronounciation, acquiring strings of dialogue and vocabulary for use in everyday speach, and in seeing how grammaire is applied in speech. So for a low price you can get a pretty valuable resource.However, the handling of french grammaire seems a bit sideways and so you should also buy a good french grammaire.Nonetheless, this book is a valuable resource and the price is right.

Pleased with a buy
The only thing that is missing is the voice recognition learning possibility. In general, not bad. Like it. ... Read more

Product Description

This book, and More Key Words and Expressions which followed it, have been

hailed by reviewers as a unique and innovative idea.

Customer Reviews (7)

Better suited for an advanced student of French
The book is good and I feel it'll be a better fit for me once I am more advanced with my French. I'm at intermediate level right now and most of the expressions use a more advanced vocabulary which at my level is hard to follow.

Speaking Better French
I am taking French as my minor at university.The problem with classroom French is that, at least for me, I tend to think in 'sentences' and this book helps we actually speak the language ....not every time do you speak English do you think or speak in 'sentences' ....you just 'talk' - and this book gives me this capability.I like the fact that the authors state the difference between formal and informal French....so classroom 'exams' are done properly but I now have the opportunity to improve my informal verbal communications.

It's a keeper!
When I got this book, I was not sure what to expect but it is definitely a keeper.It is great as it addresses the connective phrases that we use very often in English but tend to escape us in other languages.Phrases like "just in case" and others.I really enjoy this little jewel.

What a wonderful book
As an American French language student, I normally avoid American sources for learning French. This is partly because I find the American approach to learning foreign languages typically overly utilitarian, a tool in the management of an empire. And, other Americans usually just reinforce my own mistakes (as I'm sure I do theirs). So Saul Rosenthal's Speaking Better French comes as a bit of a shock. It's not just the unfailing intelligence and good taste of the author, it's his obvious love and respect for the French language. If you really want to learn spoken French, you need this book. You'll need other books as well, you'll need audio materials including French internet radio and TV5Monde, and you'll need live language experience, preferably in France. But this book is a necessity.

Well-chosen set of idioms
Having attended a French language immersion school twice in France, I can confirm that this book covers many of the sames idioms as does that school.Although one might quibble over a couple of the entries, in general these are phrases that one can hear in conversation, on the radio or television.Many, such as "avoir beau" are constructions that you don't recognize when you hear them in passing, but once you know the idiom, they seem to crop up everywhere.I especially appreciate that the author provides several examples with a colloquial English translation of each, to give the true flavor of how it's used.It is easy with words that are very close to their English counterparts to assume they have the same meaning, when the French hear something slightly different.The author also strives to identify which are spoken, casual phrases not to be used in a formal or written context.The trick now is to find the opportunity to use all these constructions when speaking, as part of the continuing process of expanding one's spoken vocabulary. ... Read more

Product Description

Review + Practice = Confident Communication in French!

The Ultimate French Review and Practice, CD-ROM Edition, will transform the way you look at French grammar--from a set of easily forgotten rules into stepping stones toward accurate and confident communication. Combining concise review with extensive practice, this book provides the ultimate way to polish your French language skills.

Organized into 28 lessons, The Ultimate French Review and Practice offers:

• Clear, concise explanations of all the grammar topics, illustrated from examples from everyday life
• More than 400 exercises with Answer Key to help you master French grammar and vocabulary
• Vocabulary boxes providing the terms and expressions that will enhance your ability to express yourself

Exclusively on the CD-ROM

• An innovative program of audio exercises that re-create authentic situations and develop listening skills
• Diagnostic and Review Tests with 180 exercises to determine your skills and monitor your progress
• 200 varied and challenging exercises that cover all aspects of grammar

System requirements: PC only: Windows 2000, XP

Customer Reviews (16)

This book is a solid review in the traditional sense; the phrases chapter is useful
This is a solid French review for advanced beginners prepearing for intermediate courses. Or for intermediate/advanced students needing a refresh. The structure is sound. Good examples. Pretty thorough. At the end it has a chapter with a lot of commonly used phrases which is not found in other books.

Why 4 and not 5? The CD-Rom (which is actually pretty good practice) is PC only.... Seriously, the publisher should've thought through this. It's a hassle going to the public library to do the CD-Rom exercises.

Oui Oui, it is ultimate!!!
French is my third language. It's always made me a bit nervous, considering inversions, negative sentences, passe compose, etc. This book answered all of my questions with clear explanations and excellent exercises. The comparisons of French to English helped me create connections between my third and native languages. The verb charts in the back of the book are very handy! It is nice that this book is geared towards 21st century adults, complete with updated technological references (e-mail, internet) AND "grown up" situations (getting fired, applying for a job, etc). The cultural notes, interwovened with the activities, were fascinating and *did not* distract. This book "pushed" me to further my studies of the French language. Merci!

An Outstanding French Grammar Book
I teach French and Italian at a private college preparatory high school. This is an exceptionally good French Grammar book. It functions as a repair kit for grammatically challenged students. The grammar explanations are clear, and the exercises are abundant. I use it as the main textbook in my advanced classes.

Great book!
This book is a great review especially for stuff that I have forgotten. My school textbooks seem to give me a greater amount of examples but would recommended to anyone who has a good foundation in French already.

Beware: CD-Rom for Windows Only!
The book itself is not bad if you want to review French grammar, especially verbs. The major downside if you have a Mac is that the CD-Rom only runs on Windows. Lame. If I had read the small print, I never would have bought this. It's 2009; Apple is not some obscure computer company. I can understand not making it compatible with Atari or Commodore 64, but Apple? The publishers really should have made the CD-Rom playable on Mac. ... Read more

Product Description
New edition features seven of the most popular tales of one of the greatest of all short-story writers. Included are "La Parure,""Mademoiselle Fifi," "La Maison Tellier," "La Ficelle," "Miss Harriet," "Boule de Suif" and "Le Horla," all reflecting Maupassant’s intimate familiarity with Paris and the universality of his creations.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Exceptional
Maupassant is an exceptional author.I haven't finished the book yet, but I like the quality of his stories.There are so many French, and well as Italian and Russian authors, each with a different style.He is more enjoyable than most.

great idea
the dual language book is a great idea, it saves so much time if you want to look up a translation. the drawback is that the translation has to be extremely close to the text, making it less enjoyable to read. thus, it is an excellent book if you plan to read the whole french version, and use the english version for support only.

French is Easier Than You Think
Contrary to all silly 19th Century notions of linguistics and Saxon ethnicity, English and French are remarkably similar languages, with over 70% of their vocabularies cognate, and with essentially the same grammar except for the fading conjugations of French. YOU, whoever you are, can learn to read French in a matter of weeks. Note that I didn't say SPEAK French, just read it. If you have Spanish or Italian under your collar, you can read French already but you just don't know it.

These seven stories by Guy de Maupassant represent the author's scope and skill. Maupassant is out of fashion, both in the USA and in France, but his Gallic non-judgemental humanism is still worth encountering. You won't be able to follow the French without a few hours of basic grammar, which you can learn at the computer with the appropriate "Transparent Language" software. But once you can struggle through a single paragraph, you'll be staring at a new world of pleasure in reading. Trust me, French literature is even better than you thought it was from translation.

wonderful and poignant stories of people in diverse situations
Many of the reviews of this book focus on the fact that it features both French and English. By contrast I will discuss it as a piece of literature.

Guy de Maupassant, along with Anton Chekov and O. Henry, is widely regarded as the best writer of short stories in modern literature.The Classics Library edition of The Best Short Stories provides ample proof of this judgment. A total of 17 stories are presented including his most famous ones (The Necklace, The Piece of String) and perhaps his best (Boule de Soif).But all of these stories are wonderful. They are full of humor, tragedy, satire, love, disappointment, despair, in short the full range of human emotions and experiences are covered by a talented and perceptive writer.

On of the best aspects of the book is the great diversity in the stories. One theme that Maupassant returns to the brutality of war. But this viciousness is shown by its effects on individuals, not in a massive scale. For example, Two Friends tells of two men who enjoy fishing together. In the story their fishing place is under Prussian control and they are arrested and accused as spies. Madamoiselle Fifi relates how war brings out the worst in men. Boule de Suif shows how "respectable" people react to adversity.Depression, despondency and the negative effects of unrequited love are further themes explored by Maupassant.Two Little Soldiers shows what happens when two friends are split by the love of a woman. Madamoiselle Pearl tells a tale of unrecognized and unreturned love. The Olive Orchard treats of what happens when an early discretion comes back to haunt you.Miss Harriet, perhaps the saddest tale of all, tells of a woman who finds fulfillment in nature and then discovers love only to have it come crashing down on her.

But humor also can be found in these stories.That Pig of a Morin pokes good fun at a shopkeeper who commits a sexual faux pax and as a result becomes the butt of jokes among his friends and neighbors. Madame Hussan's "Rosier" tells what can happen when virtue is rewarded.A Sale is a ribald tale in which a husband tries to sell his wife to another man.

The final story, Happiness, is perhaps the most satisfying. It relates a simple story of a young woman of means who gives up wealth and a life of ease for the love of an ordinary peasant and the joys of their long life together.

All in all, these stories will warm your heart and touch your soul.

"Editions" are not compatible
I followed the link to the "Paper back edition" from the dual-languages edition and I was really deflated when an english-language book (no French text) arrived.Make sure you purchase the item directly from the page with the graphic that describes "Dual Language" if that is what you want, the "editions" are actually different books! ... Read more

Product Description
This book, and "More Key Words and Expressions" which followed it, have been hailed by reviewers as a unique and innovative idea.

They give you the absolutely essential words that you need to navigate everyday French conversation. Not the textbook formal words but the expressions that real people in France use when they talk to each other.

You'll learn when to use, and when not to use words and expressions like truc, foutu, Oh-la-la, Coucou, payer en liquide, and merde. You'll learn how to faire un bise à quelqu'un, how to say you are sorry, what les grandes surfaces are, and how to tell someone to shut up. You'll learn what a goûter is, and an apéritif dînatoire. You'll find out that Ce sale chat ! doesn't mean the cat is dirty, that passer an exam doesn't mean to pass the exam, and lots, lots more.

And it's all written in a conversational style with each word or expression explained and illustrated with examples in French and their translations in English.

You'll see why a reviewer of Key Words and Expressions on amazon.com said:

"If you really want to learn spoken French, you need this book. You'll need other books as well, you'll need audio materials, and you'll need live language experience, preferably in France. But this book is a necessity."

And why another wrote:

"Perhaps the most amazing thing about this book is that it took until 2007 for anyone to think of writing it! The author's insight is right on target. This book does indeed fill a huge and inexplicable gap in the otherwise very crowded market for books on learning French. (Come to think of it, I haven't found such books in any of the three foreign languages I've studied besides French.)"

And it's FUN to read!

Comments from others:

“I think your books are wonderful. You have made a fantastic contribution to the French language profession.” ---Professor Judy Baughin, Raymond Walters College

“As with your previous book, I am amazed at how fun to read, as well as incredibly informative the book is. It's a wonderful tool”--- Professor Brigitte Humbert, Middlebury College

“I just wanted to let you know that the copy of " Key Words and Expressions" arrived yesterday. I looked through it last night, and I have to say it is just the kind of book I would have liked to have had when I was teaching myself French oh-so-many years ago..” --- Professor John Moran, Director of Language Programs, NYU

“Your little books are great!” ----Professor AG Fralin, Washington and Lee University

I love your books!They are easy to navigate, and they are extremely useful to non-native French speakers.Maybe I'm odd, but I actually enjoy reading them at night in bed before falling to sleep, they're that entertaining.---- Professor John Turvaville, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

I've been perusing Key Words for the past couple of days and it's great fun. A feature I'm really liking is the focus on the day-to-day spoken language, which doesn't always follow grammar rules. I'm going to think how I could implement some of your expressions into my fall class.What a great idea for a book!--- Professor Herta Rodina, Ohio University

“I very much like what you have done with the latest book.The expressions you introduce are so much a part of everyday conversational life in France.Too bad that more French texts don't teach them.”--- Professor John Romeiser, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For the Advanced French Speaker who needs to brush up
You've been through two years of French instruction, you've read a lot of books and magazines, and you've spent some time in beautiful France meeting lots of people, but you're still struggling with the language.As they say, French might be easy to learn at first, but it is hard to master.One of the reasons is that, with the French language, the devil is in the details.It is for this reason that I highly recommend Saul Rosenthal's series of books.He concentrates on the details.The book, Speaking Better French, pulls together about 100 common - and useful!!! - idiomatic expressions used in daily spoken French.But, instead of providing a dry list or an unnatural organization of his topics, Rosenthal offers an easy-to-read book that provides an explanation of the expression, as well as several examples that show how the expression can be used in different contexts.In other words, this is a book that can be read as a "travel guide" through the nuances of the French language, as it is spoken. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

How to Speak French with an American Accent (and maintain a stereotypical tourist image)
I've been learning French, and I have to say, the pronunciation guides in this are just flat out wrong. You can't learn to speak a new language based on the sounds of your own language. Have you ever heard English spoken with such a thick accent that you can't understand? That is from speaking English without learning the English sounds, and you will sound the same way in other countries if you try to learn their languages using English sounds. LISTEN to the language. This is why I think audio supplements are so critical to learning a language. I also find that by having the (flawed) pronunciation spellings throughout the book, it slows down your ability to learn to read the language in its natural spelling, basically like a crutch. If you just want to learn how French looks and works on paper, fine, but if you want to be understood in your new language, look elsewhere. Language learning has come a long way in the last 61 years (since this book was last edited).

For the Beginner
A great tool for non-French-speaking beginners.

Memorize phrases in just minutes!

Not for the intermediate or advanced speakers, but a really great way to teach yourself the basics of French.

Sometimes Low-Tech is Better!
Just the steak....without the sizzle!!!!I agree with a previous reviewer that there is a reason why a 60 year old text has held up so well over the years.The instruction is intuitive and builds logically.The pronunciation is transilliterated to facilitate pronunciation. Each leçon is approximately 3 pages long. A certain activity is described in about 50 sentences.Each sentence is in French, transilliterated French, and English.Subsequent sentences build upon the prior ones.At the end of each leçon is a self test of about 15 questions, with answers. Each leçon might take 10-15 minutes, depending on your skills. Effective study sessions can be multiples of that duration of time.Each chapter also has a "Note to Student", where important explanations are given.Concise...convenient....easy...and fun!!!!
This text is also a wonderful adjunct to any other French course(s) you might be using. I believe that there is a tendency to use the latest, most expensive, most hyped language course methods out there.While we all learn differently, a daily, conscientious approach is required, regardless of the course (or cost).My experience with Amazon has been that the most highly rated products do not disappoint.Many of the popular language courses today harp on immersion, as opposed to vocabulary and conjugations.They claim that your first language was learned that way.While I do not disagree, and concur that throwing you in the deep end will force you to learn to swim, the adult brain does learn differently than the child's. Sometimes we need to know WHY it was said like that. Buy, use and enjoy this gem!!You will not be disappointed.Bonne chance!!!!

1949...?
I'm not a native speaker, so I don't claim to be an expert, but this is my main criticism of the book: Apparently it hasn't been revised since it was first published in 1949. The old-fashioned pictures are quaint, but some of the sentence constructions are not. For example, some of the first questions are of this pattern: "Est-ce le mouchoir?" This is grammatically correct, but people don't actually talk like that (and, I don't know: do people still carry hankies?); it would be more natural to say, "C'est un mouchoir?"There is no index, so if there's something you want to review, you'll have to search for it. There aren't any in-depth explanations about grammar, just occasional short notes from the "professor." The book's purpose is to give you the sense of the whole language through repetition and recycling of lessons--so in that sense it may work well for some people. Users may like the English translations and transliterations; I find them rather distracting. As an instructor of beginning French,I'm still looking for a clear, engaging, inexpensive introduction to the language.

One piece of the puzzle
I am trying to learn french in order to pass a CLEP test.I had 2 years of french in high school, but have forgotten most of it.I have tried to compile a comprehensive study regime in order to read, speak and hear the french language.Currently I have Learn in Your Car French, French in Action videos on the Internet, and this book.The Berlitz French book is an enjoyable route to learn how to read French and even word pronounciation.Each word has in this book book has a pronounciation guide underneath it.This feature is really great.As you are learning new vocabulary, you learn how to say it correctly. ... Read more

Product Description
This French word-power builder presents more than 5,000 words and phrases with translations into English. The feature that makes this vocabulary book distinctive is the way words are divided into themes, grouped together so that the foreign traveler or language student can find words related by subject. The subject themes include business terms, medical terms, household terms, scientific words and phrases, units of measurement, clothing, food and dining, transportation, art and culture:24 separate themes in all. The new second edition has been expanded and updated with increased vocabulary. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Everyone should have this book
Everyone who wants to learn French should have this book.
It is very well organized and every vocab word is well described with necessary example phrases.
I really love it.
I can't believe that this book is so cheap when it is so great.

Straight-forward and concise but lacking a couple features
This book is great for learning new vocabulary however I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because I think it could be improved with a couple features currently missing. It could use a directory in English as well as French rather than just in French and I think tests at the end of each section would be useful in learning. Otherwise, great book, I love it.

Student of French
I recently purchased this item and I am very pleased with it. I find it to be a nice supplement to my collection of french books ( dictionary, grammar book, and verb book). I am currently getting back into to studying french. I studied it for three years in high school (in the eighties). It is nice and comprehensive...very easy to study and well worth the price.

I do forsee getting a more substantial vocabulary book in the future but since I am currently "scrubbing away the rust" this book is suiting me just fine.

Solid, Comprehensive and Well-Organized - Top Notch!
This is a great book.You can look inside to see the content, so I won't repeat that here.What I will say is that I agree with the other reviewers on the detailed thematic approach, depth and value of this type of organization when memorization is often difficult and tedious.Another tip I didn't see, but I think you might appreciate is recording yourself or a native speaker using a digital recorder and making your own flashcards color-coded by thematic area.A spreadsheet with a category sort key and another priority sort key is another useful way to practice.It depends how quickly you want to learn.However, this book does a lot of organizing for you, so it speeds up retention, review, etc.

No really, you can master french vocabulary
This book is excellent.Words are grouped according to subject and examples are given to illustrate possible differences in their use in a sentence. ... Read more

Product Description

Polish your French grammar skills and communicate with more savoir-faire

The only way to build your confidence in a second language is to practice, practice, practice. From present tense of regular verbs to direct object pronouns, this comprehensive guide and workbook covers all aspects of French grammar that you need to master.

Focusing on the practical aspects of French as it's really spoken, each unit of Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French Grammar features clear explanations, numerous realistic examples, and dozens of engaging exercises.

Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French Grammar makes mastering grammar easy with:

• Clear, down-to-earth, easy-to-follow explanations that make even the most complex principles easy to understand
• Example sentences that illustrate and clarify each grammatical point
• Dozens of exercises in formats suited to every learning style
• Practical and high-frequency vocabulary used throughout
• A detailed answer key for quick, easy progress checks

With help from this book, you can effortlessly use:
* Verbs ending in -oir * Infinitives * Relative pronouns * Gerunds * Pronominal verbs * Passé Composé* Expressions of time * Passive voice

Customer Reviews (16)

French grammar
I like this workbook, but it is clearly not for beginners.I use it as a supplement with a reader for my French II class.I think its application is best for highschoolers who have a good base from French I with some reading experience, but the book does assume that the student either already can translate or is being taught every word in a standard classroom setting.It would frustrate a beginner, as it is not self-explanatory.And unless a parent is gifted, fluent or can spend a lot of time with their student, going through it on your would be tedious.It is thorough in teaching verb tenses & sentence structure.Vocab. is included in the sections.I like the sentence translation exercises, but again this is definitely an intermediate program.Excellent investment.

It is easy to use
I like it a lot cause it's easy to use, provides great explanations and simple but challenging exercises that will help a lot in the long run. It is kind of hard to work with the pronunciation because there is no guide for this. you could always get a tape or something else to hear french speakers.

Complete French Review
We have not used the book yet, but it appears to be a good basic review book.I would not teach from it.

Not For The Beginner
I haven't studied or used French since I was in high school, a little over 25 years ago.This book looks like it will be good for a review of the language, but you can tell from looking at it that you must have some pre-existing knowledge for it to be useful.Also, there is no pronunciation guide at all.

one of the best
Learning a language is always difficult; of the various grammer books I find this to be exceptional as it covers the essentials, gets more advanced without being so complete as to be worthless - see Schaum's French Grammar which is so complete that it is useful for a very advanced student and not a beginner or intermediate student. ... Read more

Product Description

A face is worth 1,001 French words

Using the stories that our faces, appearance, and gestures tell, French in Your Face helps you learn and remember essential French vocabulary and everyday expressions relating to personality, attitudes, moods, and emotions.

This hugely entertaining book is packed with illustrations that will tickle your funny bone and fine-tune your ability to communicate, face-to-face, in French.

Customer Reviews (2)

FANTASTIC!
I love this book! It gives you casual French and definitely helps with conversation. I love how it's organized and the illustrations aren't just fun - they help you orient yourself to the information on the page. Also, they contribute to learning and retention; language is mostly on the left hemisphere of the brain; graphics are mostly on the right. Any time, in learning, when you use additional parts of the brain, you increase your retention. I would like audio... perhaps a URL where they have native French speakers? That would be nice.

SUMMARY: This is great supplemental material. The reader needs to understand French pronunciation or have someone guiding him/her. I really like the colloquial and slang in this book, the organization is splendid, and it definitely enhances communication. I highly recommend it.

An entertaining book.
This book is just what I expected.It will be a fun read and will fill in the gaps in my Fench which will enable me to better understand and to speak casual French.It may also help me to better understand rapid casual dialogue in French films.Je jubile! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Trust Me - Not a "First Reader"
I have a beginner's knowledge of french but this is way beyond me.These are stories of classical literature.Sartres did not write elementary french, believe me.

Once I get to an ADVANCED level, I may love this book.But I don't understand much of it right now.

Great book with short stories.
This book is intended for those that have some French under their belt.There are English translations, but you catch yourself looking more at that.Not really a bad thing that the translation is there.Decent short stories to help learn phrasing and conjugation.Would buy if you have at least one year of French

First French Reader (Dover books)
I am trying to brush up my French language skills.I found the dual language reader a help.It provides immediate reinforcement and I don't have to look up every word that I cannot remember.I likedsome stories better than others.For a returning reader to french this is a good way to start.

"Almost" perfect
I am fairly new to the French language which I am learning on my own. I am a passionate linguist and it's so far my fifth language. English is not my first language either, but after many years in this country it is now almost like my native one. I am still reading this book and I am enjoining every bit of it. It is a collection of short stories by famous French writers of the past spanning over 400 years of French literature. It gives me an opportunity not only to broaden my French vocabulary, but also to learn about great French novelists of the past. I am not giving this book a 5 because I find that often the translation is not "word by word", but rather contextual.I still often need to look up words in the dictionary, which I hoped I could avoid by purchasing a dual language book. I do understand however that literal translation into another language is sometimes just impossible, you just have to get the meaning of the sentence as a whole rather dissect it word by word because it would not make sense if it would be translated that way.A humble suggestion to future readers of this book would be to first read the entire story in French without looking at the English version, then read it in English, then read it again in French. When you read it in French the second time you then can "guess" at the meaning of most words you missed at first saving you the time to use the dictionary.

Misleading Title
Reviews should be based on what the book claims to do. The title "First French Reader: A Beginner's Dual-Language Book is misleading.

To give you an idea, the very first selection's beginning sentance has 43 words, with one main and two subordinate clauses. The next sentence has 78 words, with 8 clauses.

The preface is a little more restrained: the book "is meant for learners of French who have a real interest in the superb literature written in that language." Judging by the selections (and I can get through most of them) this is true.

And the preface is clear about what level of grammar you need. I would estimate that you need a year of college French to make good use of this book.

To get an idea of the difference between a beginner's text and this text, look at how Roussy de Sales in "Easy French Reader" simplified Daudet's great story "La Derniere Classe" with the version in this book. The former is truely for a beginner. The latter version, given its use of the passe simple, and the future tense requires more knowledge. You cannot read the selections in this book unless you understand the subjunctive.

If you want a great selection of short passages to read and you have a year of college French go ahead and buy the book. This is not however, a beginner's book. Get "Easy French Reader" instead. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally written to entertain, move or chill, the eight short stories in this collection accompanied by parallel English translations now also help students gain deeper insights into French literature and life. Arranged in approximate order of difficulty, the range of stories is wide, from the stylized wit of Raymond Queneau to the beautifully written ambiguities of Philippe Sollers, from Pierre Gascar's exploration of childhood as a background to a tale of infidelity to Henri Thomas' gentle, ironic look at war. All make wonderful reads in either language. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

French Short Stories 1
I am trying to brush up my French language skills.I think this Parallel text is very helpful.It has the advantage of immediate reinforcement, without having to look up every word that I can't remember.I liked some of the stories better than others, but that is to be expected in any book with multiple stories.

Modern French Fiction/New Wave Cinema
This anthology offers an excellent sampling of modern trends (1940s - 60s), not contemporary trends, in French literature (and art-house cinema), from Robbe-Grillet's purposeful tedium in tediously recounting French social rituals (noteably rendered in Last Year at Marianbad) to Marcel Ayme's brilliant mixture of realism and wrenching fantasy (a la Red Ballon) to Philippe Sollers's apologia for pristine solipsism (here, an unintentional parody of a French intellectual's grapplings with the mind-body problem; Maitre Woody Allen does Eric Rohmer)--do dust off your past subjunctives.
The translations are excellent: Norman Denny's rendering of Ayme's story deftly combines fantasy and urban reality; and Jean Stewart's rendering of Sollers's fluidly conversational, academic French is imaginatively intuituive. Essential reading for the intermediate to advanced student of French literature.

Transcends the Use of Dictionaries and Grammar Books
If you cannot fly to France or Quebec and actually inundate yourself with the French language as it swells around you echoing up from the streets, reading is the next best thing.My usual tact is to find a fairly simplistic book written in English, so that I am well acquainted with the level of the language.I choose something that talks about quotidian life, and then I use Amazon.fr to find myself the French translation.This technique works well for me, but I find that I am encumbered as I must hold both books at once as I read the French and take an occasional glance at the English translation to ascertain my understanding. Penguin's "French Parallel Text French Short Stories 1" negates the necessity of two books as it prints the French and English translations side by side on adjoining pages.

The eight stories in "French Short Stories I: Parallel Text" took me well over a year to read.I kept the book in a special place where I knew I would run across it each day and at least read a page or two.Not only did I get my daily dose of French, acclimating myself to the French turn of phrase and language usage, I found myself looking forward to discovering each piece of literature for its own merit and determining its place in twentieth century French writing.

For the most part each of the stories is typically French."The Beach", the first of the stories (the stories are arranged in the order of least difficult first) is a fine example of the minimalist "new novel."Its repetition makes it less difficult to translatebut does not by any means suggest that the theme or techniques utilized are in any way simplistic.

By far, my favorite story is the second story, "The Seven League Boots" by Marcel Ayme.Written in fable format, this timeless story is reminiscent of Maupassant and indeed is the longest story in the volume.

The other stories reflect such themes as war, infidelity, the absurd and a love/hate view of a personal relationship told from the benchmark of the aftermath of World War II and the need of each of the writers to convey a wonderful cavalcade of emotions intricately detailed in that singular way that can only be described as French.

The format of the book impeccably provides the student with a tool that transcends the use of dictionary or grammar books.Although as with all writing the tense is the Passé Simple, the reader gets the sense of usage and colloquialisms that the usual text books ignore.Reading aloud adds another dimension to the entire learning experience.

Personally, I enjoy classic literature, but I do not think these books need reflect only literature's cream of the crop.I would like to see a volume dedicated to more modern themes---timeless is nice, but partaking of the real language from a more modern upbeat standpoint would be so much more effective from my perspective facilitation of the language in general.

Recommended with the desire for more modern passages.
Diana Faillace Von Behren
"reneofc" ... Read more

Product Description
Over 50 fun songs, games and everyday activities to get started in French!

From taking a bath to going shopping, books in the Play and Learn Language series turn everyday routines into fun language-learning activities for parents and children.

Packed with lively four-colour illustrations, each package features fun songs, games, and activities, key word illustrations, engaging comic strips, sidebars with fun cultural information and English translations for all activities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Enjoyable and Helpful
This book can be used by those who are familiar with some basic French vocabulary and grammar.The book and the CD together help those who want to speak French right away. It is a fun way of learning to speak French.

Horrible, annoying, and to avoid at any cost
The voice is horrible, from the beginning to the end. It really sounds like the woman who is speaking is either bored, tired, and has no more motivation in her life...

Clearly not a product that will motivate your kids to study French.

As French native myself, I used other methods, and you can hear better quality of sound, and happy people singing...

The singer sounds like, she never studied music, and does not like what she is doing.

Very nice
A very nice book to start learning French. For some easy reading practice I recommend A B C Petits Contes (French Edition).

Good item for the price, but if I could be a little more picky...
Praise: I love all the different daily activities and dialogues included in the book.I have been learning vocabulary myself, even though I already speak French.It's really nice to have an audio version of the book on CD as well. On the CD, they have native speakers acting out the dialogues and singing the songs.
Criticism: The narrator on the CD could use a little more enthusiasm in her acting--her voice is pretty monotone.Also, the little girl's voice doesn't sound like a real little girl, but an adult making a kid's voice!I thought the producers of the book could have been more authentic.The songs don't really have any accompaniment as far as musical instruments go, so they're not that fun to listen to, but I plan on learning the songs so I can sing them to my kids in a more animated way.

A great book
My son really likes this book! It's very engaging for him.The pictures are cute too!We use it together with French for Little Boys: A beginning French workbook for little boys and they seem to be working.My son is starting to point to pictures and say their names in French.

So, I think it's a great book for the price! ... Read more

Product Description

A good grasp of grammar enables the foreign-language learner to build skill and confidence in communication.Here's the "ultimate," painless way for intermediate and advanced learners to brush up on the rules.Each grammatical concept is explained and then illustrated with lively sentence examples; extensive exercises offer practice at applying this knowledge in everyday conversation.Also included are "culture notes," authentic documents, vocabulary boxes, and verb charts, as well as a full answer key and index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (62)

Merci Beaucoup
Thank you for the used copy of The Ultimate French Review and Practice.The text arrived quickly and I was able to give it to a friend.Merci!
To Too Paris

TheUltimate French Review and Practice
Excellent book for review of grammar, tenses, conjugation.Love the fact you can check your work because of the key at the back of the book.

The best French grammar review I've seen.Great for refreshing your French!
This book is excellent and has been invaluable to me when trying to refresh my French.

This French Grammar is the best!
I have studied French at the L'Alliance Francaise for about eight months.This book is a perfect complement to the classes.It is clear, logical, theexercises are challenging and on point and there is an answer key.I could not recommend this book more!Tres bon!

Excellent review of French
If you're looking for a review workbook with and answer key, this is it.

It's exactly what it claims to be.A good review and lots of practice exercises.Easy to follow, visually appealing, not too boring, packed with information.Perfect for a review, if that's what you're looking for. ... Read more

Product Description