THE PHILOLOGY OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE

B y A. B. 1ŒEZSSÏÏEE, Ph.D.,

Prof essor of Modem Languages in the Queen's University in IrelancL

Third and Entirely Revised Edition. With. an Appendix of Specimens of Old French, from the 9th to the 15th Century, and a set of Examination Questions.

1 vol., small 8vo, clotlh. Price 3s. 6d.

▲ nt?w édition of the Philology of the French Language haying been called for, the Author has taken the opportunity of thoroughly revising and remodelling the work in accordance with the présent advanced state of the science of comparative grammar. Several important additions hâve been made, especially respecting the Keltic and Italian éléments in the French language, and in the chapter on Phonology. In Lis révision the author has been greatly assisted by the careful and appréciative review of a former édition by Prof. Gaston Paris, whose suggestions hâve received ail the attention due to the highest living authority on the subject. The hints given by M. Henri Gaidoz, Editor of the Revue Celtique , hâve been utilised, and the lacunœ , pointed out by Prof. Bernhard Schmitz in his Cyclopœdia of Modem Philology , hâve been filled up, so as to make the book the most complété manual of French Philology as yet published.

“ On ne peut que donner des éloges à la manière dont l’auteur a compris et éxécuté son travail.” — Gaston Paris, Revue Critique.

“ Nous voyons avec satisfaction l’Histoire et la Grammaire scientifique de notre langue désormais représentées dans la littérature scolaire de l’Angleterre par ce recommandable manuel.” — H. Gaidoz, Revue de l'Instruction Publique.

“ The Professor of Modem Languages in the Queen’s University présents in this text-book the groundwork of his lectures in Queen’s College, Belfast ; and a good solid foundation it is, on which both lecturers and students may build with safety. Of course it is not, nor is it intended to be, light reading. The author’sobject is not to exhibit the results of modem philology in an attractive form for popular readers, but rather to eupply materials of thought and suggestive hints to those who wish to acquire a philological knowledge of the French language in its successive stages. . . . Beginning with a brief but excellent account of the origin of modem French — including an accurate survey of the several characteristic distinctions between the Romance languages and the parent Latin, and a description of the three dialects of the Langue d’Oïl — he proceeds to set forth under the head of “ Phonology ’’ the various changes of letters which hâve taken place in passing from one period to another. The remainder of the work is devoted to “ Morphology,” or an account of the formation of words by the modification or addition of syllables or the composition of words. The forms assumed by verbs at different periods of the language are clearly and fully set forth. By way of illustration the etymology of many words are explained — of some more than once, because they happen to be instances of more than one general principle — which is no bad thing, and is far better than giving dérivations in an isolated way without pointing out the law to which they conform.” — Athenœum.

“ A well-written and thoughtful treatise on the history and philology of the French language, scholarly in its tone and treatment, and full of valuable information on many of the most interesting points of comparative grammar. Though primarily intended for advanced students following a course of college lectures or preparing for some of the higher compétitive examinations, it may be used with great advantage in the upçer forms of our public schools.” — Educational Times.

“ This book supplies a want which has long been felt. The French Language is at présent leamed too much as a mere matter of rote, and the pupil knows nothing of the formation and history of the language. Dr. Meissner’s work supplies this information in a satisfactory manner. It is scholarly, accurate, and thorough. It is a work which ought to be used in ail schools where Latin is taught, and it will be read with much interest and much profit alike by those who teach French and those who teach Latift The book has only to hr ^jnown to corne into extensive use.’’ — Muséum.