Franks, A.

Esperanto for the English [1908]

Melbourne: E.W. Cole, 1908. First Australian edition, but printed in Britain (W & J. Mackay, Chatham). N.d. (1908). Octavo, black cloth flexible boards, pp vi, 122. Some scuffing to boards, some wear to the outside edges, title page toned. No marks or inscriptions. Loosely inserted are two slips of paper: a typed passage in Esperanto and a handwritten passage in English (presumably a translation). Very good condition. Uncommon.

A textbook for learning Esperanto, designed specifically for English speakers. Includes: a Preface (with a brief history of the language, and mentioning its utility and its increasing popularity); a guide to the fundamentals of the Esperanto alphabet and pronunciation; forty-six lessons, with examples and exercises; a list of conversational phrases; a substantial section of vocabulary; and an index. "Esperanto for the English" was published in 1908, three years afer the first World Esperanto Congress. Esperanto is by far the world's most widely spoken constructed international auxiliary language, and has a fascinating history. It has been recognised by the United Nations as an international auxiliary language since 1954, and it has founded an international community around it. The name "Esperanto" means "one who hopes". "Esperanto for the English" is an uncommon example of an early textbook, and particularly uncommon as it is aimed at those for whom English is their first (and possibly only) language. Item #105703

Price (AUD): $200.00   Other currencies