Cortina's Spanish in 20 lessons

the long version

I have a copy of this book (1951 edition) which I purchased in 1958 for my first attempt at self-instruction in Spanish. I think this is a very good book for beginners. It contains illustrated drawings on each page which was helpful to me and I've found I remember many of the expressions after 50+ years because of the drawings and the basic approach to the language and the emphasis on objects, items and common situations of everyday life. Each chapter contains basic words and common expressions beginning with "La Familia", proceeds to "Comidas y Bebidas", and gradually covers household items, furniture, etc; then expands outward to shopping at the store, travel, etc. I like the approach and think it's a great method for self-instruction.