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johnbreeden's review against another edition
5.0
I have heard a lot of praise for this short book and it's value for a new writer. I can now say I fully understand and concur. At times humorous in its forcefulness, I appreciate the straightforward approach to writing, grammar and spelling that Strunk lays out. I almost wish the volume had not been revised, even though I understand the reasoning. Those revisions bring some elements into the modern usages, but I can appreciate and hear Strunk's voice coming through. I hope that I can keep all of this in my head when I write. I think I could only benefit for it.
annepw's review against another edition
4.0
Mostly good advice, clearly given, and Strunk's sassy commentary is priceless.
sujuv's review against another edition
4.0
I had this book as a kid and I'd almost forgotten about it, but I'm glad I took the time to read it again. It is old fashioned in some ways, but on the other hand, the guidelines it gives for writing still hold and as a reference for grammatical terms and improper word usage, it's invaluable. Not exactly an exciting read, but a worthwhile one.
littletaiko's review against another edition
3.0
This was an informative yet slightly dated reference book. It's full of helpful information for those of us who might not remember all of the specific grammar rules.
However there were a few rules that stuck me as dated, specifically the rule about nouns used as verbs. The examples included criticisms of using hosted and debuted which are quite common verbs today. Also, I didn't agree with the rule saying that instead of using they we should all commit to using he as that was the most practical usage.
Overall this is a book I'll keep on hand for quick reference. I also find I'm a bit paranoid about writing now. What if I'm breaking one of the rules? :)
However there were a few rules that stuck me as dated, specifically the rule about nouns used as verbs. The examples included criticisms of using hosted and debuted which are quite common verbs today. Also, I didn't agree with the rule saying that instead of using they we should all commit to using he as that was the most practical usage.
Overall this is a book I'll keep on hand for quick reference. I also find I'm a bit paranoid about writing now. What if I'm breaking one of the rules? :)
donasbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Instagram Review: http://www.instagram.com/p/CEDLHSngxPu/
A good basic text on grammar and mechanics. When I say basic, I mean basic. I think even a Chicago Manual of Style or an updated MLA handbook would offer more insight into writing mechanics than this little book does. It's very small--less than 80 pages. Grammar and mechanics can be crucial to style; I think professional writers need a more advanced consideration of the topics than this text offers. But for what it is, it's quite good. I do use it for quick references, mostly for questions about punctuation.
***
I read this book the first time because Stephen King told me to. I'm sure a lot of people did that, actually. And I wrote the above review before I knew the first thing about style, or the history of style, or writing with style or without it, or really anything about style at all.
I dislike this book. This book and Hemingway equally contributed to the proliferation of the contemporary popular and literary minimalist aesthetics, which I abhor. Not only because I cannot force myself to write in skeleton, but because, in the wrong hands, minimalism can be ugly and boring, and I don't enjoy reading it when it's mishandled. I can forgive Hemingway, because his minimalism is at least stylish in a way that's elusive of description. Everyone wants to write like Hemingway, but few can. But this book, Strunk and White's, advocates what I consider a lack of style.
So even those of you who want to write the kind of minimalism that I love, when I love minimalism -- and I do sometimes love a piece that is written in a minimalist style; in some cases, the author meshes the style and the themes and the narrative just right -- I would still beg you, fellow writers, to not stop at this ancient, dry, style-less style book in your education on style. At least also read Ben Yagoda's [b:The Sound on the Page: Great Writers Talk about Style and Voice in Writing|221884|The Sound on the Page Great Writers Talk about Style and Voice in Writing|Ben Yagoda|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1395107859l/221884._SY75_.jpg|214872] and Joseph Williams's [b:Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace|6966800|Style Lessons in Clarity and Grace|Joseph M. Williams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348690152l/6966800._SY75_.jpg|2053504]. Another extremely useful book for style, if you can get past the jargon, is Jeremy Scott's [b:Creative Writing and Stylistics: Creative and Critical Approaches|18374114|Creative Writing and Stylistics Creative and Critical Approaches|Jeremy Scott|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1384184979l/18374114._SY75_.jpg|25986482].
Come on, fellow writers, give yourselves a chance to be unique! My best to you all!
A good basic text on grammar and mechanics. When I say basic, I mean basic. I think even a Chicago Manual of Style or an updated MLA handbook would offer more insight into writing mechanics than this little book does. It's very small--less than 80 pages. Grammar and mechanics can be crucial to style; I think professional writers need a more advanced consideration of the topics than this text offers. But for what it is, it's quite good. I do use it for quick references, mostly for questions about punctuation.
***
I read this book the first time because Stephen King told me to. I'm sure a lot of people did that, actually. And I wrote the above review before I knew the first thing about style, or the history of style, or writing with style or without it, or really anything about style at all.
I dislike this book. This book and Hemingway equally contributed to the proliferation of the contemporary popular and literary minimalist aesthetics, which I abhor. Not only because I cannot force myself to write in skeleton, but because, in the wrong hands, minimalism can be ugly and boring, and I don't enjoy reading it when it's mishandled. I can forgive Hemingway, because his minimalism is at least stylish in a way that's elusive of description. Everyone wants to write like Hemingway, but few can. But this book, Strunk and White's, advocates what I consider a lack of style.
So even those of you who want to write the kind of minimalism that I love, when I love minimalism -- and I do sometimes love a piece that is written in a minimalist style; in some cases, the author meshes the style and the themes and the narrative just right -- I would still beg you, fellow writers, to not stop at this ancient, dry, style-less style book in your education on style. At least also read Ben Yagoda's [b:The Sound on the Page: Great Writers Talk about Style and Voice in Writing|221884|The Sound on the Page Great Writers Talk about Style and Voice in Writing|Ben Yagoda|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1395107859l/221884._SY75_.jpg|214872] and Joseph Williams's [b:Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace|6966800|Style Lessons in Clarity and Grace|Joseph M. Williams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348690152l/6966800._SY75_.jpg|2053504]. Another extremely useful book for style, if you can get past the jargon, is Jeremy Scott's [b:Creative Writing and Stylistics: Creative and Critical Approaches|18374114|Creative Writing and Stylistics Creative and Critical Approaches|Jeremy Scott|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1384184979l/18374114._SY75_.jpg|25986482].
Come on, fellow writers, give yourselves a chance to be unique! My best to you all!