University of Virginia Library


1

Page 1

MONS. BUGARD'S
FRENCH PRACTICAL TEACHER.

Mons. B. F. Bugard, author of the “French Practical
Translator,” after devoting several years of intense study
and labour, has produced a new French Grammar, which
we think will tend, more than any other in present use, to
induct pupils into the knowledge and structure of the French
Language.

From a practical examination of this new work, and an
acquaintance with the author's talents and experience in
teaching, we can confidently recommend “The French
Practical Teacher
” to all those who wish to acquire the
language, either with or without an instructer, as one of the
best manuals for the purpose ever written.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

`French Practical Teacher.—Mons. B. F. Bugard, author of the “French
Practical Translator,” a work of distinguished merit, has just given to the public
`A complete Grammar of the French Language, on the progressive principle: comprising
two hundred and forty-four exercises, mostly written in the style of conversation;'
to which is added a comprehensive vocabulary of the words of the exercises.

`The plan of the work is ingenious and new. It differs from all grammars hitherto
published, especially in the order of the rules and composition of the exercises,
in which not any part of speech is employed until its use has been fully stated
and illustrated. One of the peculiarities of the work, and one of its excellences
too, is, that the rules are all numbered, and the words of the exercises have over
them corresponding numbers, or the numbers of the rules to be referred to for their
translation. This arrangement not only affords the student a sure and easy guide,
but it obviates the necessity of directly committing the rules to memory; and thus
relieves him from a burden of no inconsiderable magnitude, the dread of encountering
which has discouraged thousands from attempting the acquisition of this elegant
and fashionable language. In his progress through the exercises, he is so frequently
under the necessity of referring to the rules, that he necessarily and practically learns
and retains them, without extra or unpleasant effort. To attain this object, the author
was obliged to adopt a new classification of certain words, such as mon, ma, mes,
ton,
&c. which in most grammars are called adjective pronouns, but which he has
classed among the articles. We have not room to state the reasons which are urged
in justification of this change. To our own mind they are entirely satisfactory, and
we believe will be generally so received. It has been adopted by the author after
great deliberation, and as the result of eight years' experience in teaching the
language.'


2

Page 2

“We confidently commend the work to the attention of teachers and students.
The adoption of it would be of mutual advantage, as both would be relieved of
much unnecessary and vexatious labor. The community, and especially that part
of it who are engaged in the teaching or study of the language, are much indebted
to Mons. Bugard, not only for the present excellent work, but for his `Practical
Translator,
' indisputably the best work of its character ever presented to the American
public.”

Bunker-Hill Aurora, and Boston Mirror, Oct. 1838.

French Practical Teacher.—The North American Review for October,
1838, speaks of this work in high terms of recommendation. It will probably soon
become the class-book in all our seminaries where the French Language is taught.
The Review says:

“We recommend this book to the attention of all teachers and students of the
French Language. It is the best of its kind that has over fallen in our way; and
we should think it impossible for any one of tolerable capacity to go through it
faithfully, without a very competent knowledge of French. The student is taken
through a series of rules and exercises, in which no part of speech is employed, until
its use has been fully stated and illustrated. The Rules are numbered, and there
are abundant references to them by figures in the Exercises. At the end of the
book is a Vocabulary of all the words used in the Exercises, so that no other Dictionary
is wanted in writing them. The whole plan is carried through with great
care and fidelity. Fabricando fit faber is the author's motto; and he has produced a
work calculated, we think, to facilitate, in no ordinary degree, the student's labour
in acquiring the French Language.”

North Amer. Rev.

Bugard's French Teacher.—Munroe & Francis, of Boston, have just published
a work, entitled, `The French Practical Teacher.' There are a number of good
French Grammars extant—indeed good books on almost every study abound among
us—but after having carefully examined this work of Mr. Bugard, we are strongly
impressed in its favor—it appearing to us decidedly superior to any French Grammar
we have seen. The plan of it is in a great degree original—and we are induced to
believe, that it will take the place of other Grammars of the French language. With
this work, and Mr. Bugard's Practical Translator, a person may easily master the
French language without any other assistant.”

Mercantile Journal, Oct. 17, 1838.

From Professor Elton, Providence, R. I.


Dear Sir,

I have examined with much pleasure your “French Practical Teacher,” and
consider it as decidedly superior to the French Grammars generally used. It is executed
throughout with judgment and ability; the arrangement is lucid and philosophical,
the rules are developed with perspicuity, and the exercises are highly appropriate
and admirably adapted to the practical purposes of instruction. I trust
the work will meet with a favorable reception from the public.

Very respectfully, yours,

ROMEO ELTON.
Mons. B. F. Bugard.
P. S. I wished to examine your Grammar fully before I gave a recommendation,
or I should have written you earlier.
R. E.