Rating: 
Summary: Read to project intelligence
Review: In the past three (3) years I have moved an astounding 5 times. One of the first things I make sure to pack is The Elements of Style. I reserve a spot on my dresser next to my bible. Elements of Style might as well be the bible for writing reference. I can't imagine an undergraduate student not using this book, regardless of course of study. I'm a bit disappointed that this text was not required for my secondary education as well.
Rating: 
Summary: No writer should be without this reference!
Review: This tiny volume offer more advice on how to become a better writer in less space than any other. While it is not a "fun" read, it is absolutely mandatory for anyone who wishes to communicate through written words. Will Strunk is concise, direct, and unflinching in his examination of many bad habits which writers may knowingly possess. There is an extensive (by this book's standards, at least) section about words that are frequently used incorrectly, as well as rules regarding composition, form, and style. He instructs us with examples of correct and incorrect word, punctuation, and grammar use, and briefly explains each example. One possible complaint is that perhaps at times, he is too brief; this is not a book for someone who doesn't understand the basic parts of speech. If you loathe the idea of relearning those little buggers, may I suggest _The Deluxe Transitive Vampire_, which is a bit more engaging than the standard basic grammar book.
Whenever a writer is unsure of what is the correct way to express him- or herself, that person should reach for this book. Heck, reading it over in spare moments to refresh one's memory of the rules. _Elements of Style_ will make a better writer of anyone who pays attention to it. Keep it by your writing space, keep it in mind.
Rating:
Summary: great reference
Review: The third edition works just fine. If you already have the third edition, you're OK. IF you don't have any edition, get this book. It's a great reference to have...
Rating: 
Summary: long on elements, short on style
Review: I read Strunk and White as part of the recommended summer reading list before starting law school, and I've since been subjected to a few law professors leading the class through the ritual worship of bowing down before it. It seems to me though a cliff's notes to basic English that you were supposed to learn in high school, combined with a few quirky recommendations: such as never to end a word with "s'," so you'd write "I kicked the Chalmers's dog" instead of "I kicked the Chalmers' dog;" and never to use the word "thrust" at all any more, for any purpose, because it inevitably conjures sexual imagery in the reader's mind. Other than that, it contains a decent guide to the all-important art of writing succinctly, one I've failed to master as you can tell by now, such as using short sentences and paragraphs and that flow together naturally. Somehow though, even at a slim and extremely well-crafted hundred-odd pages, it manages to be dull. Somewhere out there is the ideal writing manual, but I haven't yet found it. This will have to do in the meantime.
Rating:
Summary: Fully Loaded
Review: The Elements of Style is a must have book for all writers. Strunk & White are incredibly forthright in their approach to composition, form and style. I was particularly appreciative of the enlightenment of Chapter four. My understanding of commonly misused expressions was drastically challenged after completing this segment of the book. I personally enjoyed the no nonsense "attitude" in getting straight to the point. The Elements of Style is a powerful tool to assist writers in every aspect of expression. I can truthfully say that this book comes highly recommended. It isn't long and drawn out but it certainly packs a punch! My fiction and non-fiction writing will never be the same as I apply these principles to my forthcoming manuscripts. Kudos!
Rating:
Summary: Face it: We all need help!
Review: This is the standard guide for writing English correctly. Admittedly, English has no rules, and what rules she has are ment to be broken; however, this book is for poor mucks like myself who are not Shakespeare. The first part is quick guide on stlye with 11 rules on how to write clearly, with hints on punctuation and syntax. The second part deals with rules of composition, as for an essay or paper. The fourth part deals with matters of form, or better put, which word to use, and using those words in the right way. Part four deals with misused word--I know that only anal people are concerned with this, but anal people tenmd to be our bosses and overlords, so humor them! Part fivbe deals with the tone of writing, and what type of voice to use. New for the Fourth edition is a glossery, which I actually found useful. Net being an English major or a grammart Nazi, the defitions help me immeasurably. There is also an afterword by Charles Osgood, of NPR's "Osgood Files." It is more of an appreciation than a new list of rules. IF you are a fan of Osgood, you will enjoy it. Personally, the key to style is find your own, and that only comes by practice. Admittedl;y, people like David Horowitz or Orson Scott Card have good styles that develop early on, we each have that spark of divinity in us. This book can help us find our own style.
Rating:
Summary: A must for any writer, or anyone who has to write
Review: Almost everyone has to write things sometimes--reports, memos, term papers, a number of things. Writing is an essential part of professional (or student) life. This book is a must for anyone wanting to write well--not just for professional or aspiring writers. The book is less than 100 pages, yet it is so packed with useful information and advice that it will drastically change the way you look at writing. The central theme of the book is "Edit!" The first sections deal with the need to omit needless words, to trim and cut your writing to the bare essentials. After reading these sections, you will find yourself ruthlessly attacking your own writing, striking needless words, phrases, and paragraphs, and significantly improving your technique. There is also a section on the misuse of words--ways we typically use words out of context. There are many examples, and I don't doubt that even the best writer will find himself guilty of quite a few of them. All these sections were written by William Strunk. They were later edited by E.B. White (a student of his), who then added the fifth and final section of this book. White's is perhaps the most useful advice. He gives us a list of "reminders," rules to help us improve our writing. He counsels us to avoid clutter, avoid using too many big words, eliminate "qualifiers," and be clear, to name a few. This is wonderful advice, and an able conclusion to an already fascinating book. This work is absolutely indispensable to the writer, and extremely useful to anyone else wanting to write well. As Charles Osgood aptly put it, this book is "small enough and important enough to carry in your pocket, as I carry mine." Don't miss this one.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous reminder of the essentials
Review: I was first exposed to this book in a high school senior writing class and it taught me more about writing than I ever expected to learn. It is concise and a breath of fresh air in the face of the complicated world of grammar and writing styles. I now work with high school students and always use it to help them as they learn to become better writers.
Rating:
Summary: Scholarly/English must
Review: I bought this for an English class, but found it to be the much needed gap between what I learned in High School (many years ago) and what I need today in the business world. It illustrates when to use common devices- such as hyphens or slang- and when not to. A must!
Rating:
Summary: A must read for writers
Review: This book is a must have. Easy to read and full of simple but important advices. It works within days! With little effort, I already simplified and improved my English writing. It has gained in readability and efficiency. It's a good book to begin with, even - or particularly - for non native speakers.
4 out 5 because perfection is for gods! (:-)
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