Mace is considered one of the foremost writers of teaching materials for Middle Eastern languages, and has worked for the Diplomatic Service, as a British Council lecturer, as a personnel officer in the Middle East, and as a European Commission delegate. He presents a text for those in the early stages of learning written Arabic, for use in independent study or in a classroom. The text assumes the student has only a knowledge of the Arabic alphabet, and presents the grammar and vocabulary at the beginner level. The vocabulary and structures are taken from everyday living and working situations relevant for both formal students and professional people. Grammar is presented progressively, with chapters centered around themes. Exercises are incorporated throughout the text, including three chapters consisting entirely of exercises revising the main areas covered: nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs and sentence structures. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)