Scrinium Classical Antiquity

KÖNIG, B., Transformation und Deformation: Vergils Aeneis als Vorbild spanischer und italienischer Ritterdichtung. Westdeutscher Verlag, Wiesbaden, 2000. 32p. Sewn. Series: Nordrhein-Westfälische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Vorträge G 364. € 10.00 (Antiquarian)

DERWING, B.L., Transformational Grammar as a Theory of Language Acquisition. A Study in the Empirical Conceptual and Methodological Foundations of Contemporary Linguistics. Cambridge at the University Press, Cambridge, 1973. XII,346p. Paperback. Spine with reading traces. Very few pen strikes and markings in margins. Small personal library mark and name on free endpaper.The revolution in linguistic thought associated with the name of Professor Noam Chomsky centres on the theory of transformational generation, especially in grammar. This book subjects the main theory and some of its applications to a searching critique. It finds the theory in some places circular, in general descriptively inadequate, but above all aprioristic and dangerously unempirical. Professor Derwing writes as a linguist particularly interested in the psychology of language acquisition, and conscious that the TGG model starts from assumptions about the mind and linguistic universals which dictate the form and the consequences of the argument. They strike Professor Derwing as arbitrary and merely formal, and as contradicting basic scientific mental habits. In brief, Professor Derwing disputes that TGG exemplifies proper empirical scientific inquiry; that something like a TGG is part of the output of normal language acquisition; or that TGG provides a valid heuristic for psychological investigation. He argues therefore for a more experimental approach if we are actually to discover how language is acquired. (Editor's information). From the library of the late Sir Kenneth James Dover. € 14.50 (Antiquarian)

DERWING, B. L., Transformational Grammar as a Theory of Language Acquisition: Volume 0, Part 0. Cambridge University Press, 1973. 360p. Paperback. Series: Cambridge Studies in Linguistics, 10. The revolution in linguistic thought associated with the name of Professor Noam Chomsky centres on the theory of transformational generation, especially in grammar. This book subjects the main theory and some of its applications to a searching critique. It finds the theory in some places circular, in general descriptively inadequate, but above all aprioristic and dangerously unempirical. Professor Derwing writes as a linguist particularly interested in the psychology of language acquisition, and conscious that the TGG model starts from assumptions about the mind and linguistic universals which dictate the form and the consequences of the argument. They strike Professor Derwing as arbitrary and merely formal, and as contradicting basic scientific mental habits. In brief, Professor Derwing disputes that TGG exemplifies proper empirical scientific inquiry; that something like a TGG is part of the output of normal language acquisition; or that TGG provides a valid heuristic for psychological investigation. He argues therefore for a more experimental approach if we are actually to discover how language is acquired. (Publisher's information). € 36.40 (New) (MD)

RADFORD, A., Transformational Grammar: Volume 0, Part 0. Cambridge University Press, 1988. 640p. Paperback. Series: Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics. Andrew Radford's new textbook is principally for students with little or no background in syntax who need a lively and up-to-date introduction to contemporary work on transformational grammar. It covers four main topics - the goals of linguistic theory, syntactic structure, the nature and role of the lexicon, and the function of transformations and the principles governing their application. The framework takes into account the major works such as Chomsky's Knowledge of Language and Barriers written since the publication of Radford's widely acclaimed Transformational Syntax in 1981. Not only does the present book use a more recent theoretical framework, but at the descriptive level it covers a wider range of constructions and rules than its predecessor. Andrew Radford is well known for his effective pedagogical approach, and in this book even more care has been devoted to providing a sympathetic and non-technical introduction to the field. At the end of each chapter are exercises which reinforce the text, enable students to apply the various concepts, etc. discussed, or encourage them to look more critically at some of the assumptions and analyses presented. The book also has a detailed bibliographical background section and an extensive bibliography which will be a useful source of reference to the primary literature. Although intended principally as a coursebook for students of syntax or English grammar, Transformational Grammar will be invaluable to any reader who needs a straightforward and comprehensive introduction to the latest developments in this field. (Publisher's information). € 58.25 (New) (MD)

ROSENBLUM, R., Transformations in Late Eighteenth Century Art. Princeton University Press, Princeton, 1974. 3rd impr. XXVIII,203,(110)p. ills.(215 B&W photographs). Paperback. Pencil underlinings till p.49. Pp.165-172 bound upside down. € 13.50 (Antiquarian)

MAKEHAM, J., Transforming Consciousness. Yogacara Thought in Modern China. Oxford University Press, 2014. 464p. Paperback. This volume offers a wide-ranging and deeply sourced argument that Yogacara Buddhism played a much more important role in the development of modern Chinese thought (including philosophy, religion, scientific thinking, social thought, and more) than previously has been recognized. This is a crucial intervention. Any scholar with an interest in modern China will be greatly informed by this volume, which offers a goldmine of detailed exposition and argument. Stephen C. Angle, Professor of Philosophy and East Asian Studies, Wesleyan University (Publisher's information). € 67.92 (New) (MD)

MAKEHAM, J., Transforming Consciousness. Yogacara Thought in Modern China. Oxford University Press, 2014. 464p. Hardback. This volume offers a wide-ranging and deeply sourced argument that Yogacara Buddhism played a much more important role in the development of modern Chinese thought (including philosophy, religion, scientific thinking, social thought, and more) than previously has been recognized. This is a crucial intervention. Any scholar with an interest in modern China will be greatly informed by this volume, which offers a goldmine of detailed exposition and argument. Stephen C. Angle, Professor of Philosophy and East Asian Studies, Wesleyan University (Publisher's information). € 176.64 (New) (MD)

GANIEL, G., Transforming Post-Catholic Ireland. Religious Practice in Late Modernity. Oxford University Press, 2016. 284p. Hardback. ...I highly recommend this book. The research is excellent and Ganiel's voice comes through strongly, I feel, gently, but firmly guiding the sometimes surprised reader through much unfamiliar territory. Sean O'Callaghan, Salve Regina University, Social Sciences and Missions |a 11/12/2019 (Publisher's information). € 139.27 (New) (MD)

GRIFFIN, M., Transforming Tales. Rewriting Metamorphosis in Medieval French Literature. Oxford University Press, 2015. 284p. Hardback. From goshawks to enchanters, Transforming Tales provides an illuminating analysis of metamorphic figures and writing across francophone medieval literarture, combining perceptive close readings with elegant analysis informed by Derrida, Julia Kristeva and other theorists. Both medievalists and those interested in metamorphosis will find much to engage with in Griffin's supple book Elizabeth Dearnley, The Times Literary Supplement 27/05/16 |a 31/05/16 (Publisher's information). € 139.27 (New) (MD)

BREEN, L. A., Transgressing the Bounds. Subversive Enterprises Among the Puritan Elite in Massachusetts, 1630-1692. Oxford University Press, 2001. 304p. Hardback. Series: Religion in America. Louise A. Breen has written a very good book that tries to make sense out of an immensely complicated subject, dissent in Puritan New England ... If Breen's basic premise is simple, her demonstration of it is complex and nuanced ... Proponents of diversity will get a big boost from this fine book, and dissent will get an intriguing organizing principle. The Journal of American History 13/08/2003 (Publisher's information). € 207.21 (New) (MD)