Rating: 
Summary: The Fundamentals of Clear and Effective Prose
Review: "The Elements of Style", written by Professor William Strunk Jr. in the 1910's and revised and augmented by E.B. White, his former student, in the 1950's, is still the most helpful guide to writing English prose in the smallest package. The book comprises sections on: Rules of Usage, Principals of Composition, Matters of Form, Words and Expressions Commonly Misused, and a section entitled "An Approach to Style" in which Mr. White offers some excellent advice on style in the broader sense of writing that reflects the author's personality or tastes. There is also a glossary of grammar and usage terms in the back of the book. The section on English usage is useful but not comprehensive. And I believe a couple of the rules are outdated, even though this 4th edition was published in the year 2000. The rest of the book is truly dedicated to "the elements of style", meaning a writing style's most essential considerations. The authors explain, with good humor and language that is easy to understand, the " do's and don'ts" for writing clear and effective prose. These rules and recommendations can probably be summarized by saying, "Be direct and concise." But "The Elements of Style" tells the reader how to accomplish this goal. This book doesn't address how to structure a paragraph or organize an essay, so writers seeking advice on these topics will need some additional text. "The Elements of Style" is dedicated to constructing sentences in the most effective style. Middle school, high school, and college students -and anyone who would like to refresh his or her writing skills- will find "The Elements of Style" helpful, especially in writing academic prose. Messrs. Strunk and White have extracted the most essential points of writing good English, recognized the most common mistakes, and put them into this small, inexpensive and easily absorbed little book.
Rating:
Summary: A classic for a reason
Review: Cornell Graduate (I'm biased, sue me) EB White struck gold with this one. It's the perfect companion for anyone who wants to write anything.
Rating:
Summary: Size Does Not Matter
Review: Why does a thin book continue to generate interest and readership after so many years? Because the "Elements of Style," is one of the most condensed and comprehensive companions a writer, employee, student, can have. This lightweight refresher can be used again and again when needed.
Rating:
Summary: Great Writing Resource
Review: This small volume contains invaluable information on writing style. It is concise and easy to read. I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: The essential writing tool!
Review: The Elements of Style is a MUST-HAVE for any aspiring writer or business person who needs to write proposals, reports, etc. as part of their job. I can't count the number of times I pick it up during the course of a year. In fact given the low level of literacy in the majority of email messages, it's safe to say that the Elements of Style should be owned by anyone sending email too!
Rating:
Summary: THE HOLY GRAIL OF WRITING
Review: This book is a writing classic. It is short, simple, and yet, you can always find what you are looking for, perhaps that is why Stephen King recommends it over his book, On Writing. When an established writer openly says that another book is better than theirs, you know it is pure gold. This is great to read at least once a year, or to skim over periodically. It's not that boring to read, since less than half of it is just rules and it's only 90 pages long. It is an essential for any bookshelf, desk, or home library. Or you can be like Charles Osgood and I and carry it with you at all times. If you are a writer or think you are, get this book!
Rating:
Summary: A handy reference guide for your desktop...
Review: Quickly approaching its hundred-year anniversary, "The Elements of Style" - a pocket reference guide created by Cornell professor William Strunk as an aide for his students is today as relevant and helpful as ever. The introduction by E.B. White is worth the price of the book by itself, but when his immense talents are combined with his professor's, the world ends up with a valuable tool."The Elements of Style" contains everything a practitioner of the English language would need. The book starts with "Elementary Rules of Usage" which references the proper rules for possessives, parenthetic expressions, colons, dashes, etc. The book then moves on to "Elementary Principles of Composition", advising writers to use the active voice, choose a suitable design and hold to it, and among other things - omit needless words! That last tidbit of advice can't not ever in a million years be written enough times for people to read it and understand, you know? The remainder of "Elements of Style" focuses on form, commonly misused words and expressions, and the writer's individual approach to style. This last part takes on the role of a coach for the writer - simply reminding him of the various do's and don't that make writing clear and concise. Overall, this is a helpful book and a handy reference for one's desktop. If you find yourself constantly wondering if "who" or "whom" should be used, then this is the book for you... Get yourself a copy! Britt Gillette
Author of "Conquest of Paradise: An End-Times Nano-Thriller"
Rating:
Summary: The New Testament of Writing
Review: Believe it or not, it's all here in this little gem of a book. It teaches about the power of little words and being concise, concrete, and effective in your writing. The writers of intelectual tomes would do themselves a favor if they would read the rules and the magnificent advice "The Elements of Style" has to offer. Stephen King included. If asked to sum it up, I would have to bow my head to the old Chinese adage about writing, "Two words are better than four, and one word is better than two." I'm sure you catch my drift.
Rating:
Summary: You can't tell a book...
Review: Like the saying goes, you can't tell a book by its cover, either of them; and seeing how close the two covers are, you might pass up this book as a vital resource. If you are a writer or even write for school, work, or fun, listen to these words. You need this book. If you don't have it, buy it, now! This book was recommended to me by one of my professors and it changed my entire writing life. My works became filled with less (and you can only understand that statement if you've read the book.) except that it was life that filled my writing, not words. Learn to say more with less, and find out how to write so that the reader can read, not play detective. (unless you're writing a mystery) I can't recommend this book enough. So read it. You'll be glad you did.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This is one of my all-time favorite books. The dry wit and lucid intelligence of Strunk and White inform every page, making it as enjoyable as any novel. White is especially delightful in the section on style. It is unfortunate that it would take a truly good writer and a truly sharp mind to appreciate this book for all that it is, since it was written especially to help those who are not so good and not so sharp. In other words, those who would enjoy this book the most are those who don't need it--but then it's hard to imagine who wouldn't need a refresher course every now and then on what good writing is about.
|
