Finis Coronat Opus

Waiting for the Greek Etymological Dictionary

by Dr Dan Waniek, MD
Copyright © 2006 danwaniek.org

Comparative Indo-European Linguistics: An Introduction ( Hardcover ) by R. S. P. Beekes, 1996.
	Professor Beekes wrote a highly enjoyable, accessible and informed chef d'oeuvre. Besides the usual stress on his pet theory of laryngeals - now mainstream in the field, professor Beekes perfectly balances his illustrated and yet readable account while he informs us in a comprehensive, well written Basic English. Comparative Indo-European Linguistics is now mature, but the author does not climb on the shoulders of so many illustrious founding fathers, yet he courageously stands right where he should be - he stands ovation ! There are a number of perfectible items in this book, like maps and indices, but then again this 300 year old magisterium is so dynamic nowadays that every new indoeuropean discovery is hard to publish, even in the famous but hard to find Journal of Indo-European Studies. The illustrations are compelling, but selective and somewhat " romantic ". The editors must have pushed for them.
Although he does not like the word "Pelasgian" and uses Pre-Greek throughout his large Opus, it is perhaps best for everybody to let Professor Beekes work in peace, for he now offers the Greek Etymological Dictionary, yet another masterpiece. ISBN : 9027221510, BOBE-5175-REFS-0001, RANK : (not published by Amazon for this masterpiece), 376 pages, unique edition.