The Coulson grammar was the first grammar I purchased, and I still find it to be a well-written introductory grammar (emphasis on Introductory!) True, the book does have its faults; but the same criticism can be leveled at any textbook. For those experiencing difficulty with the Devanagari script, there are excellent writing primers for learning just the script. Some of these primers also that explain idiosyncracies (like variant letter forms). For those students exasperated at the density of material, I suggest moving more slowly through the difficult sections: furthermore, one is not prohibited from re-reading (several times, if necessary) particularly intractable sections. Learning Sanskrit in a self-teaching course is not an Olympic time-trial; patience and hard work will open these things to our understanding.

Finally, if you still find the going difficult, set the material aside for consideration or find another primer: Coulson's paedagogical technique is his own and will not work for everyone.

Om mani padme hum.


I bought and returned this book!   May 12, 2000
 29 out of 31 found this review helpful

This book is not meant for anybody to learn Sanskrit. It covers too many topics in too few pages. To make matters worse, quality of paper used in this book is really bad. Also, binding of the book is that of a cheap thriller and it is really hard to keep it open while reading.

One good thing about this book is that, all Exercises have their Solutions, and in my knowledge Egenes's "Introduction to Sanskrit" is the only other book on Introductory Sanskrit which provides the key to exercises.

If someone wants an inexpensive book to learn Sanskrit, one can get Charles Wikner's book "Sanskrit Introductory" available as a free download. Although it does not cover all the material in an introductory Sanskrit course, it is better than this book to get started.


Affordable but you get what you pay for   March 11, 2000
 13 out of 14 found this review helpful

I gave this book a try and didn't get anywhere. Maybe ok if you've good a background in classical languages or Indian tongues. The printing quality is poor and makes reading more difficult. I would urge anyone interested in the language, particularly those working alone, to spend the money on Walter H. Maurer's texts. Much more support for the newcomer, clear text, excellent reading exercises, and a support text with all paradigms and other assorted good things.


Better alternatives now available   August 4, 1999
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

Since I first wrote a review of this book in Feb 1999, I have taught a Sanskrit course based on Egenes' Sanskrit textbook. I found Egenes' book rather better than Coulson, and would recommend it above this book.