I found Gordons in a book shop when I first got really interested in Old
Norse and it took me a long time to work out what Gordon was on about,
never mind learn Old Norse .
It was aimed at former grammar school (latin and Greek) students of English
(Old English) who then moved on to Old Norse.
I agree with Alfta that the THE VIKING SOCIETY FOR NORTHERN RESEARCH's
book(s) is far better.
Barnes know his subject and explains things quite well, if a little
academically oriented.
Though Gordon has a really good seelction of texts, and a great reference
grammar for once you get going, so don't throw it away.
You can also get the book direct from them - and lots of others (tip for all
of you out there...).
A direct link to THE VIKING SOCIETY FOR NORTHERN RESEARCH home page
(currently at Sheffield Universities site)
http://www.shef.ac.uk/viking-society/
There is also a book called:
Old Icelandic an introductory course. Sigrid Valfells and James E. Cathey.
It has lots of short texts, and grammar exercise.
However their treatment of grammar is rather odd and in my opinion sometimes
actually complicates things (Old Norse being made more complex - thats a
novel approach!).
Also a lot of his examples and short texts are made up, something many
academics object to.
[personally I think a good made up example can explain a point better than a
poor example from an original text]
It's ok but Barnes is better.
The most important thing is not to loose sight of the wood for the trees.
The grammar does not make much sense at first because you need to read a bit
before you can see how it all starts to fall into place.
Also large chunks of grammar can be handled step by step rather than trying
to master them straight away.
Noun endings for instance. You don't need to memorize them all on day one,
just learn enough to recognize a noun and find it in the glossary and get
reading.
Cheers
Stuntie.
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