Introduction
First Latin Lessons, Containing the Most Important Parts of the Grammar of the Latin Language together with Appropriate Exercises in the Translating and Writing of Latin, for the Use of Beginners, or simply First Latin Lessons, is a Latin educational and instructional book which seeks to inform the reader of the basic structure and nuance of Latin grammar. The work was originally published in 1839 CE and formed a part of a larger series entitled Anthon’s Series of Classical Works for Schools and Colleges. Charles Anthon (1797-1867 CE) was an American scholar, classicist, and professor renowned for his work in improving the study of classics in America in the 19th century.
First Latin Lessons is a part of the Fontaine Collection owned by the Columbus State University Archives and Special Collections. John Fontaine (1792-1866 CE) was a business and plantation owner as well as the first mayor of Columbus, Georgia. The Fontaine Collection surmises a collection of books and manuscripts owned at some point by the Fontaine family.
In this exhibit I argue that the inclusion of the First Latin Lessons in the Fontaine Collection serves to further augment the place of the family in the echelons of Antebellum society and culture, and shows both the continuing importance of Latin education but the immense value physical language workbooks have on the education and continued exercise of classical languages.