Annus Horribilis

Carpe diem with this guide to the Latin language What do "quid pro quo" and "habeas corpus" mean? Why do plants have Latin names? Why do families, towns, countries, and even soccer teams have Latin mottoes? What do the Latin epitaphs in churches say? What are the words of Mozart''s "Requiem?" These are just a few of the topics covered in this comprehensive guide to Latin for the layman. With wit and clear language, the Latin phrases and words that surround us and compose our contemporary vocabulary are exposed and decoded. Entertaining and informative, this study proves that Latin is anything but dead.