The First Comprehensive Grammar of Nahuatl; Introduction to Classical Nahuatl: Workbook, First Edition, 1975

J. Richard Andrews

First Edition

[Indigenous Language] Andrews, J. Richard. Introduction to Classical Nahuatl: Workbook. Austin & London: University of Texas Press, 1975. First edition. Assisted by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Original printed wrappers. XI, 222 pages. 8vo.

This volume is the accompanying workbook to J. Richard Andrews’ groundbreaking Introduction to Classical Nahuatl (1975), the first comprehensive grammar of Nahuatl written in English and still considered the standard reference for students of the language. A professor at Brown and later Harvard, Andrews (1924–2010) was one of the foremost U.S. specialists in Nahuatl linguistics. The workbook provides forty-eight progressive lessons in verb forms, noun structures, and syntactical patterns, offering exercises designed to reinforce mastery of Classical Nahuatl, the language of central Mexico during the height of the Aztec empire. Sections cover topics such as “Intransitive Verb Forms: Imperfective Stem,” “The Optative Mode,” “Compound Verbs,” “Absolutive-State Nouns,” and “Adjectival Modification,” with later supplementary readings drawn from Nahuatl texts, including Mushroom Visions, “An Omen of the Coming of the Spaniards,” and “The Destruction of Cholollan.”

The workbook reflects Andrews’ pedagogical philosophy that students should engage directly with Nahuatl grammar and translation without excessive reliance on interpretive glosses. In his preface, Andrews emphasized that the exercises aim to produce “recognition-type” mastery and facilitate both reading and translation of original texts, including selections adapted from Bernardino de Sahagún’s monumental Historia general de las cosas de Nueva España. Together with the main grammar, this workbook remains indispensable to scholars of Mesoamerican studies, linguistics, and Indigenous languages, preserving Nahuatl’s complex verbal system and cultural expressions for modern study.

Minor creasing to front wrapper and light edge wear; binding tight and interior clean. Overall very good condition. An essential guide to Mesoamerican linguistics and companion volume to Andrews’ Introduction to Classical Nahuatl.

Item #22627

Price: $280.00