Mastering Italian Vocabulary: A Thematic Approach (Mastering Vocabulary Series)

Rating:
Summary: The Best Italian Vocabulary Book in English
Review: I own several Italian vocabulary books, and this one - while not the largest - is the best. It covers about 5800 of the commonest words and shows many of them in illustrative sentences. This book can be used by learners at any level, but would be difficult for rank beginners. The words are grouped according to theme as in other similar books, but this one stands out in three ways: the usage examples, the indication of irregular accents, and the inclusion of an index. And there's room to write your own additional discoveries in the book. It was originally written in German, but the English translation is unusually good. Plus, it's cheap!

The downside? An occasional typo has crept in, and rarely the Italian and English columns get misaligned for two or three words.

Two pages a day (with frequent review!) and you're on your way. Buon viaggio!

Rating:
Summary: FINALLY...A USEFUL VOCABULARY TOOL ! ! !
Review: This book is WONDERFUL! I have so so so many books to build vocabulary and this one is my all time favorite.

Have you ever picked up a vocabulary book and all the words are listed in alphabetical order, much like a dictionary? How boring is it to try and learn that way?

This book uses THEMES and creates SECTIONS with words ASSOCIATED with one another. So, it's never boring.

But it doesn't just teach you WORDS. It gives you GREAT phrases to put the words to work.

It's like getting a vocabulary AND phrase book in one.

If I could give this book 10 stars...I'd do it!

Rating:
Summary: it is what it is
Review: This is wonderful book for reviewing vocabulary. You should also know that French, Spanish, and German versions exist as well. The words covered are very helpful, especially for those who like to travel and need to know "easy" words that do not appear frequently in literature but do come up often in offices, stores, etc. Each entry offers a clear example of usage in its proper context. These books are so inexpensive, that it is worth taking one with you on a trip abroad, even if you end up abandoning it at the end to make more room in your suitcase for the books that you want to bring home.