This abridgement of the Italian Grammar is recommended by the author as containing 'tout ce qui est necessaire pour acquérir une connaissance parfaite de la langue Italienne.' Pref. p. 1. 2
We are not, however, of opinion that an acquaintance with this little grammar is sufficient to supercede the necessity of studying those that are more diffuse and comprehensive. So concise a method as that adopted by M. Curioni, may be attended with success, when seconded by the supplementary instruction of an intelligent master: but would be of little use to the young scholar, without the assistance of such an auxiliary.
We do not mean to discountenance this grammar; because science, whether dilated or compressed, must be productive of utility.
1. The Monthly Review, second series, volume 2, July 1790, page 350. Benjamin Nangle identifies Elizabeth Moody as the author of this review from an editor's marked copy of The Monthly Review. See Nangle, The Montly Review, Second Series, 1790-1815: Indexes of Contributors and Articles, Clarendon Press, 1955. This edition of this review article was prepared by Mary A. Waters with assistance from Dillon Cullinan. The Abbé Antonio Curioni authored a number of educational treatises on language and literature. Back
2. "... all that is necessary to acquire a perfect knowledge of the Italian language." Back