This book offers students a tool to gain a good grounding in the Manchu language. Instead of having to depend on a formal Manchu class -- Manchu courses are only rarely taught at universities anywhere -- students are able study Manchu on their own time and at their own speed. If studied in its entirety, the material in this book represents the approximate equivalent of a three-semester course (one year and a half). This updated second edition includes online access to audio files.