[( Linear B: An Introduction )] [by: J.T. Hooker] [Jun-1991] Paperback – 1 April 2013

This is a book which details and decyphers the dead language of Linear B. Linear B was one of the earliest written languages (apparently over 3,000 years old) and was written by people who spoke "proto-Greek", i.e. the language which was later to become Classical Greek. The book's strong point is its listing of the symbols, their pronunciation and the meanings (including probable classical Greek equivalents).This book is for the specialist, but only insofar as you want to read the symbols of the language that later became Greek ... and, to be honest, if your curiosity has carried you this far, you are probably already sufficiently specialised in your interests and this book might be a useful addition to your library.Even if you are a professional academic looking for a point to start from when tackling Linear B texts, this is the best and most comprehensive of the publicly purchasable books detailing the language. Do note, however, that when I read this book ten years ago it was already fairly old. For the most up-to-date interpretation of the Linear B symbols, a full and recent scholarly article will be needed ... perhaps even a chat with an Oxford Philological Don!Having said that, of its kind (an introduction to actually reading a dead language in the original), this book is a mine of information. I have searched long to find another copy of this book, so I congratulate Amazon.co.uk for listing it and I look forward to re-acquainting myself with this long-lost friend.

Still one of the must read books on This topic. Well written andv researched.

Strictly for the professional. You have to understand Greek - Homeric Greek - in order to make sense out of anything. It's everything you'd want to know about Linear B but put together in such a manner as to make it a real slog. Where did this guy learn English? In Bulgaria? If you are looking for How to Speak Linear B, look elsewhere. Like I said, a real slog.

This book was just what I was looking for. It first describes in detail the process by which Linear B was first deciphered, goes on to explain the mechanics of Mycenaean Greek and how it differs from later Greek and finishes with numerous examples of inscriptions complete with the original text in Linear B, a syllabic transliteration, conversion into Attic Greek (if possible) and a detailed descriptions of the grammar and contents.

For anyone that wants to be introduced to the fascinated world of second milenium BC ancient Greek, written in the Linear B alphabet (more properly: syllabic script) this is as good as it gets. Although I hate the typewriter fonts used for the text, I think it is a small drawback.

Fabulous introduction; not for the faint-hearted. This is a catalogue of inscriptions, not a textbook with exercises.