Greek Grammar [Revised Edition]

“When the Department of Classics at Harvard University acquired the plates to ‘A Greek Grammar for Colleges’ by Herbert Weir Smyth (1920), the decision was promptly reached that this excellent and detailed treatise should again appear in print. Its merits are obvious : Smyth’s is by far the most complete reference grammar of ancient Greek to appear in English. The non-specialist student of ancient Greek language and literature can count upon finding in Smyth a treatment of Greek morphology and syntax which will be more than adequate for their needs. There is one strong advantage of Smyth’s work which particularly commends it, despite the passage of time. This may be stated in the words of Smyth’s original preface (1918) : “it is a descriptive, not an historical, nor a comparative, grammar.” Since Smyth’s work is almost exclusively a description, on a scale unprecedented for a grammar of this kind in English, it has for the most part retained its accuracy and usefulness. In particular, Smyth offered a treatment of Greek syntax which is exceptionally rich as well as subtle and well organized.”–adapted from Editor’s Preface, page iii.