The Penguin French Reader – Simon Lee, David Ricks – 1967

The Penguin French Reader, written by Simon Lee and David Ricks, is a comprehensive guide for readers who want to improve their French language skills. First published in 1967, the book is still widely used today, and for good reason.

The book is divided into three sections: fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Each section includes carefully selected pieces from various French authors, ranging from classic to contemporary literature. This variety allows the reader to experience different styles of writing and to discover new authors.

One of the strengths of the book is its approach to vocabulary. Each piece includes footnotes with translations of difficult words or phrases, which makes the text more accessible to readers with different levels of French proficiency. Additionally, the book includes an extensive glossary at the back, which can be used as a reference for vocabulary acquisition.

The book also includes a helpful introduction that explains the importance of reading in French and provides guidance on how to use the book effectively. This introduction is particularly useful for readers who are new to the language or who have not used a reader before.

Overall, The Penguin French Reader is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their French language skills through reading. Its carefully curated selection of texts, extensive vocabulary assistance, and helpful introduction make it a standout among French language readers. Though it was first published in 1967, it is still a relevant and useful tool for French language learners today.