Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases

by Maia Lee-Chin, Marta Bertello (Illustrator)

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER
AN NPR "BOOK WE LOVE" FOR SUMMER 2024

A gorgeously illustrated guide to memorable Latin phrases, including famous quotations on love, death, nature, politics, and more.

Latin may be a “dead” language, but it’s all around us—in science, philosophy, religion, and literature. From “carpe diem” to the more obscure “alea iacta est,” classicist Maia Lee-Chin examines the deeper meanings of many Latin phrases still in use—as well as those lost to the ages.

Illustrated in artist Marta Bertello's haunting style, this unique compendium illuminates ancient Roman history and culture like never before.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Language, Linguistics, Adult, Mythology, Art

144 pages, Hardcover

First published August 27, 2024

About the author

Maia Lee-Chin is a lover of casual conversations with the ancient world and is convinced that all translations are autobiographical. She claims she was born to be a classicist, citing her Greek goddess namesake and her lineage, which includes some of the earliest African Americans to obtain college degrees. When not writing, Maia plays video games, cooks, cleans (begrudgingly), works in urban education, and tries not to use epic poetry as a road map for life. She has other work featured in Eidolon and Ancient Exchanges.

Reviews

[your morbid obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing collection of Latin phrases or expressions with deeper explanation and their origins. Accompanied by absolutely gorgeous illustrations which bring out beautiful Roman art style.
Since I was a kid I loved these kind of books, that give us a dive into history and explain common uses of certain things.
This was quite beautiful and educational.

Thank you to:
The author Maia Lee-Chin,
Illustrator Marta Bertello,
Publisher and NetGalley!

#EtCetera #NetGalley

Add this to your tbr!!

[Netanella · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Et Cetera" is an awesome little book of famous and not-so-famous Latin phrases that does a little deep dive their origins. The book is written by a classicist who loves "casual conversations with the ancient world" and illustrated gorgeously throughout. The only thing I didn't enjoy was that I was forced to read this on my Netgalley app, which I currently can only access through my phone, which leaves a small viewing size.

Recommended for casual readers and Latin enthusiasts alike!

[Moonkiszt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evenings decoding Latin phrases from Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases , determining which of the fifty offerings considered by the author and illustrator have popped up most in my life, are favorites and are new-to-me counted as time well-spent and thoroughly enjoyed!

At a certain point in life, with languages as my major, Latin courses were taken and brought the echoes of ages past to my ears and thoughts. . .sometimes awkwardly with a weird new mouthfeel, but often ringing loud with an ancient truth that felt very familiar. Those days came back to me while reading this book with its phrases well-polished by sages, politicians, and celebrities of whole eras risen, spent and rolled into the next. Amazing that we are still, in this current era using them yet; our descendants will carry the baton forward, and may have copies of this little book in their libraries of ancient times. . . .

The author provides a past accessible through her knowledge and explanations of who, what, where and why on each of the fifty phrases she presents; the illustrator takes the whole of that, and in stark black, white and a splash of red accentuates The Point deftly - holding out hope for a reader properly decoding her message. It was puzzley, codey, and entertaining to take time with this arty book.

?My favorites?
Fortes Fortuna Iuvat (Fortune favors the brave) The irony was that this was said at the front of a mission that failed. . .it was in the retelling of that failure happened that the bravery was memorialized.

Memento Mori (Remember you Will die) Each day is a gift and is not to be wasted, nor discounted.

Auribus Teneo Lupum (I am holding a wolf by the ears) You have a big, not easy to resolve problem!

Sutor, Ne Supra Crepidam (Shoemaker, not beyond the shoe) Karl Marx made this one famous by arguing against it. . . .

Also to note, this is something I'm making sure my grandkids see. . .to trigger their Latin interest early. It can be read in sections and bits, to spread the ponderables out for whoever is lucky enough to find a copy in their hands or at their coffee table.

*A sincere thank you to Maia Lee-Chin, Marta Bertello, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #EtCetera #NetGalley

52:42

[Samidha; समिधा · Rating 3 out of 5]

First read of 2025 and this was pretty interesting! I was hoping for a bit more “common phrase” phrases but I enjoyed learning the history behind some of the complex phrases!

[Mailaenderli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most enlightening.

[Rachael Fryman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book that goes through some well known (and several lesser known) Latin Phrases and a little of their history. I found the book to be delightfully interesting and quite motivating to learn more about Latin and the classics and ancient history of Rome. As I was reading, and as often happens with latin words, bells of recognition went off and I made connections of modern day culture and language to an ancient time that used a now "dead" language.

[heptagrammaton]

Quite nice and approachable. Marta Bertello's illustrative work is occassionally stunning and inventive. Lee-Chin's focus on foregrounding marginalized voices and critical perspectives is worthy of appreciation. It's become common enough in recent scholarship, as far as I can tell, but may still be lacking in popular history works.

The bibliography is *mwah*.

[Liam O'Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough, but not dense. Informative and fun. Modern, in the best sense. Works like these and advocates like Maia are what will be necessary to keep the field of Classics relevant.

[Julia Schreder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot wait to read this book!! Maia is immensely talented!!

[Radwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love books like these that are really done by someone who understands the topic.

This a collection of latin phrases: with translation of each one, as well as a brief background/context explanation. I loved knowing more about some of the most famous phrases and the art accompanying each phrase added a lot to the book.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and very well-curated selection of Latin phrases and their origins, allowing curious readers to take a toe-dip into a notoriously difficult to parse yet fascinating language.

I suppose I should start with a warning that this book is not going to teach you Latin. This is primarily meant to explain the story behind those Latin phrases that have survived and become part of the modern lexicon, not to explain how to read or write the language.

The selected phrases range from those that almost everyone is at least cursorily familiar with, such as Carpe Diem, to those which are well known only amongst classicists. In short, as long as you’re curious about the language and about the culture that gave it to us, there something here for everyone, whether you’re just trying to learn the stuff that shows up in crosswords or seeking something a bit more obscure and complex.

The illustrations are lovely, if a bit one-note, though I think the idea behind the pairings is a good one.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Pais · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one's for lovers of language, mythology, and ancient Roman history.

Et Cetera chronicles several dozen Latin phrases, organized by theme, and explains the history or meaning behind each. Some—swan song (cygnea cantio), dulce et decorum est, memento mori, carpe diem—are familiar. Many others are new to me. All are accompanied by beautiful illustrations, in greyscale with crimson accents.

One thing I appreciated was the author's consideration for voices and histories that may not be part of our canonical education about Rome. Some entries explore the role of women, same-sex attraction, and enslaved people in Roman history and literature, and a few phrases are sourced from the poet Sulpicia, one of the only female ancient Roman poets whose works have survived. Maia Lee-Chin is clearly an avid lover of all things Latin and ancient Rome, and that comes through on every page.

Overall, a short but fun and educational read. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.

[Bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone with at least a passing interest in and knowledge of the classics, I very much enjoyed this. While my existing knowledge lays more in the Greek tradition than the Roman, she does a fantastic job of making Latin, both accessible, and possibly surprising the reader with instances they may already know. Structurally, this is not a phrase book dictionary. The sayings are grouped by subject, allowing for brief cultural lessons facilitated by a number of phrases relating thematically to one another. By mixing in known and still used Latin phrases with more obscure ones, the information feels relevant rather than remote, and Latin very much does not feel like a dead language.

It also includes beautiful tri-tone illustrations encapsulating each phrase.

I will say that it might have been interesting to see more examples still in use today, but maybe that’s a project for another book.

[Emilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative book that any reader can gain something new from. Each passage briefly discusses a piece of Roman history surrounding a, sometimes common sometimes niche, Latin phrase. I'd recommend reading a few passages at a time, rather than the entire book in one go.

My favorite passages include: Serves Animae Dimidium Meae, Neque Semper Arcum Tendit Apollo, Imperium Sine Fine, Carpe Diem, Nemo Saltat Sobrius

"Violent begets violent, and brutality creates brutalists; more men willing to conque, deface, and burn."

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[George Jreije · Rating 5 out of 5]

Latin like you’ve never seen it explored before!

Let’s face it, most of us aren’t going to study the whole Latin language, but we will certainly be using many of the language’s phrases! After reading this, not only do I have a newfound appreciation for common sayings I use in my everyday, I’m now aware of others I hadn’t.

This is the perfect book for casual readers, Latin lovers, and everyone in between!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The selection of phrases feels random, but the author's excitement for her subject shines through and the illustrations are all beautiful.

[the.literaturewitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, well-constructed little book perfect for anyone interested in the classics, in Greek/ Roman history, or just the mysteries of a dead language that still perseveres on our tongues even today. From more well-known phrases like ‘carpe diem’ and ‘memento mori’ to ones never head before but equally if not more fascinating, the collection of phrases is roughly split into sections, each demarcating certain facets, and I enjoyed that organization.

My favorites of the bunch were those in the love category, wherein the most succinct of phrases were used to express so much love. And I also like the idea that of the little that subsists through the ravages of time, so much of it are declarations of love and friendship. Each entry comes with its meaning and attribution, and also a little bit of history to go along with it, and I think the author did well on the time and length allocated to each verse - giving us just enough. I think it is the impersonality and formal language of those phrases, that show so much of their hearts, that gets to me. It shows us the origins of so many terms of endearment we throw around these days - soulmate, soul sister, and so on - and in a way, the author reminds us of the weight of our words, how it has travelled through centuries to arrive here and now, and help us express what is inside. I found it incredibly compelling.

What I enjoyed about the collection was that it was no simple linguistic catalogue, but provided both the context and history, and also just the slightest bit of personal commentary too. In that way I think Lee-Chin checks in on us intermittently, either passing some ironic comment with the hindsight we have that the Romans could obviously not, or adding some mild philosophy into the mix. I think that helped the text feel not too academic, especially in the military sections, where wars and their victors were abound.

Something else I love about historic narratives in general is the perspective each and every one can have, in that the way we look back on things will always have some shifts, no matter what. Thus, the author approaching this from her unique perspective also comments on the image of classicism that most of us hold - that of a white, middle-aged man - who does dominate the industry. Thus she tries to assert the presence of the less-represented, the minorities when giving her accounts and this comment on the gatekeeping prevalent in mainstream classicist circles was a nice addition.

Another addition that spruced up this book was definitely the illustrations. Not only were they beautifully done, but they were interpretive in a way, and I liked trying to ascertain what the phrase could be before moving on to it, which was a fun little exercise. I think the line drawings with the recurrent elements of red throughout was a great addition to Lee-Chin's prose.

Moreover, for all my expertise on Greek and Roman history, the female voices from these times were completely unbeknownst to me, and I loved both the inclusion and the commentary on that. The structure of society then, and how women could fall into certain tropes and even just the act of picking up a pen (or the classical equivalent) is an act of defiance, an act of stepping out of the box and I think the author articulated the sentiment in a subtle yet loving way.

All in all, I think this is quite a strong collection, both for anyone new to the subject as well as those a little more well-versed. We frequently meet familiar figures - Caesar, Horace, Vergil, and so on - but we are shown their histories through a new lens, that is through their words. I think underlying so much of the explanation throughout we inevitably see the power of language - how it was used then to imprison, enslave, maintain power and social statures, but also to love, express care and worry, wish one well, immortalize one’s memory, and so on.
Such a well-constructed debut from someone you can tell has great love and reverence for their subject, I highly recommend this to all.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eArc, this was highly enjoyable.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases by Maia Lee-Chin, with illustrations by Marta Bertello, is a captivating journey through the timeless elegance of Latin expressions. This hardcover treasure, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, spans 256 pages of rich content that is both educational and visually stunning.

Lee-Chin, a classicist and educator, delves into the origins and meanings of various Latin phrases that continue to resonate in our modern world. From the well-known “carpe diem” to the less familiar “alea iacta est,” the author provides readers with direct translations, pronunciations, attributions, and fascinating historical contexts. Each phrase is accompanied by a full-page illustration from Bertello, whose artistry adds a hauntingly beautiful dimension to the ancient words.

This book is a conversation starter and a bridge connecting the ancient to the contemporary.

Lee-Chin’s background in classical languages and education at Holy Cross, combined with her passion for engaging communities with classical reception, shines through in her writing. Her approach makes Latin accessible and relevant, proving that the language, though no longer spoken, still has much to teach us about life, love, nature, politics, and more.

Bertello’s illustrations are not mere decorations but narratives in their own right, capturing the essence of each phrase in a way that words alone cannot. Her work, influenced by medieval iconography and magic realism, transports readers to a world where the wisdom of the ancients is visualized and felt.

Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases is a must-have for anyone interested in the classics, language, or art. It’s a book that can be enjoyed over and over, each visit uncovering new layers of meaning and beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned Latin scholar or a curious novice, this guide will enrich your understanding and appreciation of a language that has shaped our own.

My only criticism of this magical book is that I wish the author had decided to add a pronunciation guide. I know Latin is considered a "dead" language, but books like this can provide resuscitation.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with an ARC of “Et Cetera” by Maia Lee-Chin in exchange for an honest review.

Well organized, insightful, and beautifully illustrated, this is one for the logophiles, trivia nerds, and anyone with an insatiable curiosity to learn new things!

As someone who stops to look up allusions, words, and phrases while reading, this book was a general delight. I especially appreciate that the selection explores a lot of lesser-known Latin phrases. Of course, it does cover some of the more popular ones like carpe diem and memento mori (and unfortunately doesn’t offer much more than can be found on Wikipedia for those entries). However, there’s enough of interest here that can’t as readily be found in a quick Google search.

That being said, at $33.99 CAD ($24.99 USD) for 144 pages that I likely wouldn’t be inclined to read again, I do think that the book is a bit pricey for what it is.

So, what is it and why do I say that?

It is a hardcover release. To give credit where credit is due, the book does look lovely with the limited use of colour and the gold foil on the cover. It would certainly be a nice addition to any collector’s shelf. There are 50 illustrations with 50 accompanying phrases and their explanations. The explanations never exceed one page and some of them are as short as 150 words. The remaining 44 pages are just front and back matter (and 5 pages of epigraphs dividing the sections).

As fun and interesting as the write-ups are, they cater more to a general audience and aren’t detailed enough to serve as an academic resource.

While I do think the book is well worth a read, it isn’t one that I would buy (at least not at list price).

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to both #NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me an advance copy of Maia Lee-Chin’s illustrated guide to #Latin phrases, Et Cetera, in exchange for an honest review.

#EtCetera is an ode to Ancient Rome and the Classics, as well as aids in the further preservation of Latin phrases, texts, and a debatably “dead” language. The work divides the phrases according to theme, which include literature; love, friendship, and family; mythology; military and power; and finally, culture and philosophy.

All five sections begin with a relevant quote and include a smattering of illustrations that correspond with the sectional theme and an individual phrase. Each phrase has its own dedicated page, which contains a translation of the specific phrase, who that phrase is attributed to, the source material, and a condensed description of its historical origin. As someone who studied the language and read the #classics, I still found myself pleasantly surprised by new information and any tidbits long since forgotten.

#EtCetera is less of a traditional illustrated guide, which is typically purchased as a #coffeetable piece, and instead is more of a historical #referenceguide peppered with drawings. While the material is dense at times, this nonfiction work is perfect for both readers who are already experts and enamored with the subject, and novices interested in learning more about ancient world texts; much of which serve as the foundation of certain forms of #nonfiction and gave rise to the themes and plots still found in modern literature today.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Andrews McMeel for my advance digital copy via Edelweiss. My opinions are my own.

How incredible it is to think how many explicitly foreign words and phrases I use every day while speaking English! Not to mention the English words that have evolved from French or other languages that have so deeply informed our current version of that language. It's amazing how everything is so interconnected. I'm fascinated by the feedback loop between language and culture.
And Lee-Chin does intend for this to be an exploration of culture, in addition to language. This illustrated guide is intended open further exploration into the ancient world where these phrases originated, and includes beautiful explanations for those probable origins as well as the use of the phrases themselves today. As Latin no longer has native speakers, it's pronunciation is reliant on scholars' interpretation of written Latin (something I am not used to in my study of Spanish and other living languages today, where pronunciation matters a great deal). I have so often heard Latin referred to as a "dead" language, a term that goes very much against what this book evidences for the use of so many Latin words and phrases today--I very much appreciated Lee-Chin's explanations there
As a final note, after reading this digital ARC I want to purchase a physical copy so I can better appreciate the artistic layout in it's final version. I'm a visual learner so I think that I would be better able to appreciate and learn the phrases if I had that visual aid.

[Amr Saleh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maia Lee-Chin's Et Cetera is the book to read if you are still waiting for your time machine. I've personally always viewed language as the perfect way to understand people and their culture on a foundational level, and Et Cetera has strengthened this belief in me.

If you are reading this book expecting to visit the Rome of Julius Caesar and Augustus, you'd be right, but not entirely. True, Et Cetera will show you the words that describe the Rome of the elites, but it will also introduce you to foreign monarchs, female poets, and slaves whose names were lost to time and oppression, and much more. Et Cetera will show you Rome from the bottom to the top and even beyond.

If you don't speak Latin and therefore are hesitant to give this book a chance, I assure you that despite not knowing a single Latin word (except for the ones still in use, of course), I was still able to understand everything. You also really don't want to miss out on Marta Bertello's fantastic illustrations. They're so beautiful, I want
them on my wall.

Et Cetera is a wonderful book for both history nerds and those who wish to learn something new about Latin and the culture and people who gave it to us. It is an incredible debut by Maia Lee-Chin and a book that I'm sure I'll revisit multiple times in the future, even if just to read one page each day.

[Michal Tetreault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is set to be published August 27, 2024.

Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases is a lovely collection of illustrations paired with a latin phrase and its explanation. Some are common phrases that you've surely heard (and used!) like carpe diem and fortune favors the brave. But there were also a lot of phrases that I had never heard before and got to learn where they came from/what they mean.

The illustrations by Marta Bertello are beautiful but I definitely don't think the iPad does them justice. I can't wait to see how much more stunning they look in print.

Maia Lee-Chin, the author, does a great job of explaining these latin phrases in way that felt like the perfect balance between giving historical context for the use of the phrase and expecting the reader to have some understanding of Greek and Roman history. I especially loved reading her introduction and how she came to be in a position to write this book. I would have loved hearing even more about her journey to become a classicist. She talks about in her introduction about being a woman of color and a second-generation American and how that impacts the way she interacts with ancient history. I would love to know more about that and I can't wait to see what she does next!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.**

Author Maia Lee-Chin collaborates with illustrator Marta Bertello to bring forth Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases. This book is exactly as advertised. Lee-Chin provides historical context where Bertello provides artistic representation for Latin phrases that have survived to use in modernity. The book is sectioned by the context of the phrases (Literature, Love/Friendship/Family, Mythology, Military/Power, and Culture/Philosophy).

Bertello's art is beautiful with a modern take and employment of color on top of a classical style. Each illustration was lovely and added visual interest to a work that might otherwise have been a bit dry.

Lee-Chin's love for antiquity shines through I'm her contextualization of the various chosen phrases. While there were some phrases that I know have Latin basis that were excluded from this collection, I was happy to see that Lee-Chin chose a wide variety of phrases to include both well known and lesser known selections. The choice to limit each explanation to a single page was smart and kept the momentum of the book moving forward.

Overall, this book was a lot of fun and had an extensive bibliography included for those who feel driven to learn more. I look forward to future works from both Lee-Chin and Bertello.

[Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advance Reader Copy received from NetGalley

Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases provides a wonderful look at a range of Latin phrases, from those in common parlance to sentences plucked from elsewhere in the classical canon. I was expecting a more linguistic approach rather than historical., however this is made up for by the effort that has been put into this history. This can also come with the side effect of some entries being a little more dense, however this is balanced by the others of greater brevity. The approach in ordering the phrases as a 'continual narrative' rather than alphabetically servies the book well, as each section creates a cohesive summary of a particular aspect of classical life.

The illustrations by Marta Bertello are beautiful, and enhance the experience of each entry. Of particular poignance is the use of colour, with the red accents to the pictures meshing well with the book's format.

It would have been nice to hear more about the phrases themselves rather than the original authors in some cases, however overall the book in an engaging read, well-matched by the illustration style, and I would highly recommend this for readers who are both already familliar with and readers who are new to the classics. Full rating: 4.25 stars

[EmmsBookShelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Et Cetera; An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases by Maia Lee-Chin is an informative and concise book that serves as both an engaging reference volume and a stunning coffee table book. The artwork within this book is stunning, really detailed and evokes what the Latin phrases and the descriptions are stating, it was my favourite part of the book.

The book looked at different types of phrases thematically and each one tacked addressed its meaning (in a literal sense, what it translates to) who it is attracted to (if possible or known) and its time of origin. After that, it looks at the overall deeper meaning of the phrase, delving into historical context too. It was written in an easy to understand manner, straight to the point and not dull. This is not a long volume that drones on and as such it was a quick read. It is very evidently well researched, as evident by its extensive bibliography. The passion of the author and illustrator alike jump off the pages of this volume.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Andrew McMeel Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. It was engaging and captivating and will make a great addition to the bookshelves and/or coffee tables of historians and linguists alike

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Et Cetera by Maia Lee-Chin is an enchanting, clever and informative book about a topic seldom encountered, that of the origin of Latin phrases. Latin may be a "dead" language but the descriptions are livey! Marta Bertello's rich illustrations add wonderful flair.

The five sections told in a continuous narrative include Literature; Love, Friendship, and Family; Mythology; Military and Power; and Culture and Philosophy. Each phrase, some common, others not, includes the attribution, meaning and origin along with historical context. Authors include the likes of Horace, Ovid, Manilius, Plautus, Erasmus and Vergil. Marta Bertello's rich illustrations add wonderful flair.

Some of my favourites phrase stories are "Clap, the story is over", "I will force you to remember me", "I am holding you, Africa", "Fortune favors the brave" and "Shoemaker, not beyond the shoe". I have spent a lot of time in Italy and other countries under Roman rule and enjoy discovering ancient inscriptions on ruins, tombs, arches, buildings, columns, et cetera.

This small but mighty book should appeal to those who are intrigued by the Classics, language and/or history. This is more than a fun read...it gives the satisfaction of discovering hidden treasure!

[Zane Akers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up at Pocket Books with a gift card that had been moldering away in my wallet. It's sort of a reference book, sort of a narrative, sort of a picture book. When read straight through from left to right, you get a slightly garbled sense of the order in which things occurred in ancient Rome (the sayings are grouped thematically rather than alphabetically or chronologically), but Lee-Chin provides ample context so the reader feels like, by the end of the book, like s/he has a good beginner's handle on things. The references to larger story arcs, further aspects of a writer or philosopher's work, and concise analysis of Roman politics situate these expressions in the larger world, and make for a good jumping off point in an interested reader's later googling.
One thing I want to note is that the author seems a little unsure of own opinion of ancient Rome and its culture. The message of the book is definitely not "Be more like the Romans" and instead suggests a sentiment closer to "Ancient Romans are a lot like us, for better or for worse."
Not to forget the illustrations, they encapsulate the theme of each saying quite well, in a grayscale-plus-red palette that plays up the gore and drama inherent in most of these phrases.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases is a delightfully fascinating, 5 star read!

Well paced and flowing seamlessly through each section, Maia Lee-Chin explores fifty enduring Latin Phrases, delving into not only their meaning, but also their origin. Covering topics including love, mythology, power, and philosophy, this collection introduces the reader to a range of individuals, from salves all the way up to Rome's elite. While many phrases may initially be unfamiliar, there are also those that remain in use even today, and together they give a glimpse into the lives and minds of individuals long past.

Finally, it would be remiss not to mention the book's beautiful artwork, from it's cover to the images weaved throughout. Paired with each entry are Marta Bertello's gorgeous illustrations, carefully accented with notes of red, these drawings serve to give additional depth and detail to the phrases they represent.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

No Latin proficiency required, Et Cetera is out August 2024!

[MagnoliaJule · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very introduction of this book I knew I was hooked. Author Maia Lee-Chin starts by sharing how she came to love Latin and Roman history. I would very much like to hear more about her unique experience becoming a classicist.

I have read several similar books that explain common Latin phrases. This one is my favorite. Each entry is short but filled with details. The author does an amazing job sharing her vast knowledge of Latin and makes it easily digestible. Often these books end up sitting on the coffee table unread and looking pretentious. This book is such an enjoyable read. Each chapter flowed perfectly into the next. The art by Marta Bertello while simple black, white, and red, blossoms into depth and detail as you read the accompanying chapter. I found my self so curious to know more about what was being depicted in the illustration that I just had to keep reading!

I very much enjoyed this book and will highly recommend it to anyone interested in Latin phrases.

Thank you to NetGalley, Andrew McMeel Publishing, Maia Lee-Chin, and Marta Bertello for the ARC in exchange for an honest review