Vademecum of English, by Ana Maria López Jimeno, is a meticulously crafted handbook designed as a reference tool for English teachers and advanced learners. The book condenses a wealth of linguistic knowledge into charts covering phonetics, grammar, vocabulary, and etymology. With its focus on accessibility and clarity, it aims to demystify complex aspects of the English language, such as irregular verbs and the peculiarities of spelling, while offering insights into word origins and thematic vocabulary.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is its structure. López Jimeno organizes this guide in a way that makes learning intuitive. The phonetics section explains the production of English sounds while comparing them to Spanish, which is brilliant for bilingual learners or teachers working in Spanish-speaking environments. The attention to tricky sounds, such as differentiating /θ/ from /ð/, demonstrates that the author knows exactly where learners struggle. Reading this book is like having a teacher by your side.

That being said, the sheer density of the material can feel overwhelming at times. In the grammar section, the breakdowns of sentence structures and transformations are useful but can read more like a textbook. I feel that a more conversational tone might have made it less intimidating for casual readers.

What I found fascinating was the etymology section. It’s about where words come from and understanding the “soul” of the language. Learning that roots and affixes can open the door to hundreds of related words is a game-changer for anyone who is serious about expanding their vocabulary. This section feels like a treasure hunt, with every prefix and suffix uncovering a new linguistic gem.

Vademecum of English, by Ana Maria López Jimeno, is a powerful tool for those willing to take a deep dive into the intricacies of the language. It’s best suited for English teachers, linguists, and advanced students who thrive on detail and structure. If you’re someone who enjoys learning through charts and logical categorization, this is your book. It’s an impressive piece of work that reflects the author’s extensive experience and passion for teaching.

Pages: 152 | ISBN : 978-84-129623-0-7