Chapters introduce related grammatical topics and assume little or no prior knowledge of Latin grammar or language.

Each chapter has a collection of translation exercises created specifically for the book, most drawn directly from ancient sources.

At the end of each chapter is a section called "Latina Est Gaudium — Et Utilis!

This section introduces phrases that can be used in conversation (such as "Quid agis hodie?

Originally published in 1956 in the Barnes & Noble College Outline Series, the textbook is currently in its seventh edition.