Scan barcode
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!
simonfay's review against another edition
4.0
As a couple of reviewers have mentioned, Elements of Style has become somewhat out of style. There are plenty of people who stand by it as a trusted source for all things grammar, but I imagine even diehard supporters will grudgingly admit that the standards it established have led to some truly convoluted sentences.
Even so, I still recommend it as a handy pocketbook for anybody who's interested in the craft of writing. When I originally read it a number of years ago, I was a little strict in following the rules it outlined. It had a negative impact on my writing. But as I outgrew some of the habits it taught me, I began to think of it more as a leap off point for amateur wordsmiths, a sturdy foundation for beginners to build their own style on.
Yes, there are probably more up to date guides on grammar and writing, but I haven't read those, so my rating for this book exists in a vacuum of sorts: It's a good manual if you take it as the beginning of wisdom, not the end. Most importantly, the material is simple and engaging. The examples and logic are straightforward. And at the very least it will get you playing with the English language.
Even so, I still recommend it as a handy pocketbook for anybody who's interested in the craft of writing. When I originally read it a number of years ago, I was a little strict in following the rules it outlined. It had a negative impact on my writing. But as I outgrew some of the habits it taught me, I began to think of it more as a leap off point for amateur wordsmiths, a sturdy foundation for beginners to build their own style on.
Yes, there are probably more up to date guides on grammar and writing, but I haven't read those, so my rating for this book exists in a vacuum of sorts: It's a good manual if you take it as the beginning of wisdom, not the end. Most importantly, the material is simple and engaging. The examples and logic are straightforward. And at the very least it will get you playing with the English language.
arielamandah's review
5.0
Though not often prone to such things (especially with reference books!), I sat down and read this book in one sitting. A lovely little gem of style.
_rumpelstiltskin_'s review against another edition
4.0
Yes, it is outdated in parts, and yes, a lot can be said about the inadequacy of iron-clad grammar rules. Still, writing clearly and concisely is just as important as it is challenging, and we do need help. English is not my first language, so I am particularly receptive to assistance with tricky grammar rules, punctuation and false cognates. I think the book is as useful as a grammar book can be and that it gets extra points for being short and to the point; don't take it too seriously and you will be fine.
bkoser's review against another edition
4.0
The classic. A plea for "definite, specific, concrete language".
Insightful. For example: place the emphatic words of a sentence at the end.
Much that is common advice: "Write with nouns and verbs. Adjectives and adverbs are assistants."
One instance of vindication: use explanatory verbs and adverbs sparingly in dialog. I've argued about this with my brother. On those who don't follow this advice: "They do this, apparently, in the belief that the word *said* is always in need of support, or because they have been told to do it by experts in the art of bad writing."
Rarely but occasionally silly, like the advice to not use a number with the word "people". The reason: "if there are six people and five leave, one people is left". Wow. The solution: use the word "persons". Count me as one persons that disagrees.
Full notes on the /writing page of our website.
Insightful. For example: place the emphatic words of a sentence at the end.
Much that is common advice: "Write with nouns and verbs. Adjectives and adverbs are assistants."
One instance of vindication: use explanatory verbs and adverbs sparingly in dialog. I've argued about this with my brother. On those who don't follow this advice: "They do this, apparently, in the belief that the word *said* is always in need of support, or because they have been told to do it by experts in the art of bad writing."
Rarely but occasionally silly, like the advice to not use a number with the word "people". The reason: "if there are six people and five leave, one people is left". Wow. The solution: use the word "persons". Count me as one persons that disagrees.
Full notes on the /writing page of our website.
sarina_langer's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 3.5
You won't hear me say this ever again, but I took a highlighter to this book. I'd never dream of doing that to any other book, but it seemed appropriate with this one.
While some rules around punctuation and grammar have developed alongside language, The Elements of Style still covers all your basics. AND it's tiny, so it will fit on your shelf no matter how full it is.
It's a great addition for writers as well as editors. For editors, it's a handy guide if you need a quick reminder of something. For writers, it's a good idea to learn the basics of style, but I'm not sure I'd call it a beginner's guide.
Just don't expect more than that--most points have examples but explanations are rare, so you'll learn what to do or not to do, but not necessarily why. Strunk has cut all the fluff, so this really is just a rule book with some examples and a list of commonly misspelled words.
Be aware that some rules may have changed over the years (this baby was first published in 1918), but most of it is still relevant today. If in doubt, do more research (I recommend The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation - it's an excellent online resource) or let your editor handle it. And please don't see its age as an excuse not to follow the rules--some things have changed, but for the most part it's still good to adhere to the points in this book.
If you'd like detailed explanations, you won't find them here. If you want to brush up on your basic grammar or would like a reminder here and there, this is perfect.
You won't hear me say this ever again, but I took a highlighter to this book. I'd never dream of doing that to any other book, but it seemed appropriate with this one.
While some rules around punctuation and grammar have developed alongside language, The Elements of Style still covers all your basics. AND it's tiny, so it will fit on your shelf no matter how full it is.
It's a great addition for writers as well as editors. For editors, it's a handy guide if you need a quick reminder of something. For writers, it's a good idea to learn the basics of style, but I'm not sure I'd call it a beginner's guide.
Just don't expect more than that--most points have examples but explanations are rare, so you'll learn what to do or not to do, but not necessarily why. Strunk has cut all the fluff, so this really is just a rule book with some examples and a list of commonly misspelled words.
Be aware that some rules may have changed over the years (this baby was first published in 1918), but most of it is still relevant today. If in doubt, do more research (I recommend The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation - it's an excellent online resource) or let your editor handle it. And please don't see its age as an excuse not to follow the rules--some things have changed, but for the most part it's still good to adhere to the points in this book.
If you'd like detailed explanations, you won't find them here. If you want to brush up on your basic grammar or would like a reminder here and there, this is perfect.