The tutor comes on two CDs. One of these has key sections including "survival phrases", fun activities, conversations and speech practice against the voice of a native speaker; the other has a thorough grammar tutorial. This is a valuable combination for those serious about learning Spanish and the product is clear and easy to use. Spanish phrases are highlighted in a box and their English translations placed beneath, and the voice-recognition software allows you to measure your own voice against that of a native speaker. Although the "recognition" seems to be skewed somewhat towards Iberian pronunciation as against Latin American sounds (the complete lack of consonants in Chilean Spanish does not go down very well, for instance), it still represents a useful benchmark.

The part on survival phrases is particularly well designed and will be of much use to those who have basic Spanish. There are several practice dialogues based on commonplace situations--in the bank, the hotel, the taxi and so on--with some priceless examples that all of us must have wished we'd known at some point or other ("I've locked the key in the bedroom"). Although some of the advice borders on the infantile ("When you decide to travel outside the USA, you will probably need a passport"), much of it is useful and rounds out a well-composed package. --Toby Green