Scan barcode
A review by lelandbuck
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr., E.B. White
5.0
This is my absolute favorite "reference" book.
The Elements of Style is a 90 page book that contains the wisdom of many volumes. The book seeks to instruct writers, not to train grammarians. Its presentation is direct, laconic, and intended to inspire concision and clarity in writing.
Hefty English grammar books enumerating the structures and variances of forms are plentiful. This is not one of them. William Strunk and E.B. White no doubt marveled at the intricacy of English, but their book is not about pointing out the limitless variance of English; it is about the craft of applying concrete principles of construction.
I first obtained a copy of this book in school in the early 1980's. I referred to it frequently as a reference, poking in to the index in search of some singular guidance. It was ten years later that I actually sat down and read it cover to cover. From that point I have rarely sat down to write without a copy near at hand. I have re-read it numerous times, each with a fresh sense of awe.
On a well-tended writer's bookshelf, The Elements of Style will always find a place.
The Elements of Style is a 90 page book that contains the wisdom of many volumes. The book seeks to instruct writers, not to train grammarians. Its presentation is direct, laconic, and intended to inspire concision and clarity in writing.
Hefty English grammar books enumerating the structures and variances of forms are plentiful. This is not one of them. William Strunk and E.B. White no doubt marveled at the intricacy of English, but their book is not about pointing out the limitless variance of English; it is about the craft of applying concrete principles of construction.
I first obtained a copy of this book in school in the early 1980's. I referred to it frequently as a reference, poking in to the index in search of some singular guidance. It was ten years later that I actually sat down and read it cover to cover. From that point I have rarely sat down to write without a copy near at hand. I have re-read it numerous times, each with a fresh sense of awe.
On a well-tended writer's bookshelf, The Elements of Style will always find a place.