Under the Grammar Hammer

Rating:
Summary: Help for the Grammatically Challenged
Review: If you are confounded by "fickle fragments, subterranean subjects, pliant pronouns, or homonyms from Hell," Douglas Cazort offers help for those who transgress against the conventions of formal English. In UNDER THE GRAMMAR HAMMER, Cazort examines the 25 most significant grammatical errors committed by violators he identifies as "educated Americans." This concise reference book provides quick remedies for lessening the blows from hammers wielded by defenders of the correct word. Replete with colorful anecdotes and cogent explanations, UNDER THE GRAMMAR HAMMER provides strategies for resolving a dangling modifer or avoiding sexist language. The author's friendly yet authoritative approach to explaining the principles of English dispels the notion that grammar sometimes can be a four-letter word. Cazort accomplishes another purpose when discussing popular rules of thumb; he liberates readers from the idea that the English language is the sole property of English teachers or authorities on usage. He contends that the language belongs to all who speak and write English, and says he hopes his book helps people feel more secure in their ownership of language, especially when they are in the presence of English teachers. An English instructor and counselor at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Oregon, Cazort completed the first edition of his book on the quincentenary of the publication of the first modern European language grammar. In 1492, when the Bishop of Avila presented Queen Isabella of Spain a copy of the premier grammar, he remarked, "Your majesty, language is the perfect instrument of empire." Five hundred years and a new edition later, readers will discover Cazort's UNDER THE GRAMMAR HAMMER to be an attractive alternative to imperialistic rule books.

(This review is reprinted from the spring 1998 issue of VANDERBILT MAGAZINE, the alumni magazine of Vanderbilt University, with permission of the reviewer.)

Rating:
Summary: Must We Be Hammered?
Review: If you're looking for grammar guidance, this is as fine an attempt as any grade school English textbook. If you're looking for help that won't put you to sleep, try "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" This one's a bit dry.

Rating:
Summary: Uncle Barney is the best
Review: Mr Cazort is awesome. Never has one person done so much for mankind.