1 [the text had dots under many e, o z and zz which I cannot ...

I have made the verb the framework of the whole grammar, as it
is impossible to form a sentence without it. I have also discarded
the usual method of separating Accidence from Syntax, for it
seems to me that such a separation has no existence in reality ;
I have combined the two parts, and gradually introduced the
Syntax as I thought its knowledge would be required by the
student.
Being convinced, as most people now are, that the best way of
learning a foreign language is to translate into it from one's own
language , I have added to this grammar a Short Guide to Italian
Composition, comprising extracts in English prose, with notes to
facilitate their translation into Italian. I have also given some
hints on Italian versification, and extracts in Italian Poetry, so
that the student may, at an early stage , learn how to read, and, if
so disposed, commit to memory some of the
(vi). PREFACE .
finest verses in the Italian language , and thus acquire a correct
Italian accent. I have supplemented the whole with Vocabularies,
which will enable the student not only to dispense with any other
book for the first lessons, but to find without loss of time the word
he wants.
The meaning of the letters in darker type , which will be found in
many Italian words throughout this grammar, and the directions
for the proper pronunciations of the letters " E," " O," " S," and " Z,"
which is a very important feature in my book , are given in rules
5, 9, 48, 53, and 63.
I hope that the improvements I have made in my book will
increase the favour I have already received from my colleagues
and from the public, and for which I am very grateful .
N. PERINI.
KING'S COLLEGE , LONDON.
November , 1895.
TABLE OF CONTENTS. (vii)
INTRODUCTION Page 1
The Alphabet.
Pronunciation of the Vowels.
Pronunciation of the Consonants .
Rules for Dividing Words into Syllables.
On the Pronunciation of Words.
2