Selecting appropriate texts for L2 (second/foreign language) learners is an important approach to enhancing motivation and, by extension, learning. There is currently no tool for classifying foreign language texts according to a language proficiency framework, which makes it difficult for students and educators to determine the precise…

Ninety-three French textbooks were examined to produce this overview of content and methodology; the analysis indicates the books have introduced few innovations and follow traditional modes of presentation. (CK)

The lack of adequate pedagogical material for the teaching of Italian in North America is criticized. Presently available grammars and textbooks are listed with brief descriptions. Criteria, guidelines and requirements for satisfactory elementary and intermediate Italian textbooks are presented. (MS)

Reviews four approaches to selecting language textbooks and outlines points to be considered before selecting. (CK)

Describes and compares five basic German texts for high school students and includes the evaluative criteria used. (CK)

This article discusses two problems which confront the literary historian, first, that of periodization and second, that of choice of corpus. Several histories of French literature, some written in English and others in French, are reviewed. (CFM)