A great way to learn Mandarin, January 3, 2001
　

This slender tome, organized as lessons, is a fine way to learn the basics of Mandarin grammar. Virtually jargon-free and fleshed out with many examples and exercises, including English, Pinyin and Chinese characters, it could hardly be a clearer or more painless plan for beginning study. Of course, there is an answer key to the exercises in the back of the book.

The book does not contain a complete description of Mandarin grammar, since its intended use is as an introductory textbook. Together with its companion volume, Intermediate Chinese, or Chinese: An Essential Grammar, both by the same author, it represents a complete course in the grammar of modern Mandarin. Highly recommended.

Basic Chinese A Grammer and Workbook, March 14, 2004
　

This book and its companion book "Intermediate Chinese" are very instructive for serious students of the Mandarin Chinese language. The books provide an excellent reference on the various component parts of the language. However, these texts are not for the uninitiated. Some basic knowledge of the language is imperative if you are to get the most out of these texts.

Being stationed in Zhongshan China, it was imperative for me to learn the language and learn it quickly. I waded through at least 10 books and tape courses on the subject. My recommendations after much experimentation are as follows:

1. Chinese The Easy Way - Philip F.C. Williams - Ph.D. and Yenna Wu - Ph.D.. This book will ground you in the grammer and pronunciation essentials quickly and in my opinion is the best beginners book on the market for this subject matter.

2. Transparent Languages "Langauge Now - Mandarin Chinese" software. Allows you to actually speak and grades your pronunciation.

Following, this, use these two texts to round it all out. The texts would definitely be a bit easier to use if they had an index but this isn't a show stopper at all.

Excellent study material, February 4, 2006
　

I was able to browse through this book in the bookstore. I study Mandarin Chinese for one and a half year, speaking fluently, and I own quite a few different study books, so I can judge them easily. I was impressed with this book and certainly plan on buying it - just it's a bit pricy. Clear presentation of the grammar, AS it is used by the native speakers, advanced English without mistakes, and use of Hanyu Pinyin romanization *without mistakes* (as often seen as an obstacle in Chinese study books). The other book(s) from this author has the same but I suppose more advanced (as a follow up course). These are not books for the absolute beginner, though! It is not the kind of friendly course book with stories and all vocabulary laid out for each chapter, no it is not. It is, however, all presented in a very clear way.

Great review / reference, February 13, 2005
　

Having completed 270 hours of study, I bought both this book and the intermediate level book to review and build upon what I had learned. I found the book very suitable for these purposes. Both books together provide comprehensive coverage of all essential Chinese grammar concepts, and there are helpful cross references between chapters. Each grammar point is illustrated with several examples, and possible sources of confusion are clarified. At the end of each chapter are a variety of self-checking exercises and an answer key in the appendix.

My only complaint is that the pinyin is in boldface, which distracts my eyes away from the characters. Any serious student of Chinese learns literacy along with speaking skills, so pinyin should not dominate.

Even here in China, I have not found a comprehensive reference/self-study grammar book. These books are a must for any person who endeavors to master Chinese. These books should not be used alone as model sentences do not provide full context for the language. These books are an excellent supplement to an integrated textbook.

be careful, June 12, 2004
Reviewer: A reader
make sure you have already another method of learning Chinese before you get this book, because it is strictly grammar, not a learning course.

Probably the best textbook for begginers, August 19, 2002
Reviewer: A reader
It's clear and concise. It includes tons of exercises in each chapter, and explains the fundamentals in a very friendly and easily understandable way. Intermediate Chinese, written by the same author, is also a must for serious Chinese language students. I highly recommend these books.