The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition by William Strunk Jr., E. B. White
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Book Reviews of The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
Book Review: The writer's bible
Summary: 5 Stars
This important little reference book was introduced to me as required reading in middle school by an English teacher who obviously knew her stuff. I took it to college and used it as a reference tool for grammar and usage rules, and later I kept it on my bookshelf at work. When I decided to write a novel, I re-read The Elements of Style as a primer. Currently, I'm referring to it again as I'm writing academic papers in grad school.
I have worn through three copies of this book over the years, and I'm sure there'll be several more in my future. It has become one of the most useful books in my collection.
If only all writers were required to read The Elements of Style ... what better writing there'd be in this world! What I love about the book is that it practices what it preaches: "Omit needless words!" Everything you need to know about the basic art of better writing is in this wonderful little book. Not a word is wasted.
Book Review: The only guide you'll ever need
Summary: 5 Stars
In his 288 page book, "On Writing," Stephen King sings the praises of Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style," then proceeds to violate one of their cardinal rules: "avoid needless words." It's a mistake made by almost every book meant to assist the writer on the rules of the craft. There are plenty available, too many, in fact, but none have ever improved on Strunk and White's comparatively tiny volume.
Everything you need to know to improve your writing is here in a style that adheres to the advice offered. Strunk and White don't tell you how to write, they show you in prose as entertaining as it is educational. You've heard that less is more? The authors prove it in little more than 100 pages.
If you want a handy guide to more effective writing, Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style" is the only one you'll need.
Brian W. Fairbanks
Book Review: A Must for Doctoral Students
Summary: 5 Stars
As a doctoral faculty member at a leading online university, I refer to this classic of English grammar and style often and recommend it highly to my students.
It comes as a surprise to many new Ph.D. students that the quality of their writing is as critical to their success as the quality of their thinking. In fact, the two are opposite sides of that proverbial coin.
Rereading and applying the timeless, easy to read, and straightforward advice contained in this book will save aspiring doctoral students countless hours of revising their work, particularly the dissertation, which receives extensive scrutiny of its content, form, and style from a myriad of detail-oriented reviewers.
So, if you want to accelerate your progress toward that coveted doctorate, master the elements of style.
Robert E. Levasseur, Ph.D., author of "Student to Scholar: The Guide for Doctoral Students"
Book Review: Important Reading
Summary: 5 Stars
This little book is important reading for any one who has or is desiring to write. One of the best things that I could say about the book is that it is full of examples that are juxtaposed. Every element is clearly defined in such a way that any one can easily see the difference between the examples given. This book is a "how to" book for proper use of english in written form. It seemingly covers everything you could imagine from the use of commas and omiting needless words to expressing yourself clearly and not overwriting. The five chapters are: 1. Elementary Rules of Usage 2. Elementary Principles of Composition 3. A Few Matters of Form 4. Words and Expressions Commonly Misused 5. An Approach to Style.
First written in 1919 and then added to in 1957, it has clearly withstood the test of time. After reading it I could see why. There is not a wasted sentence in the whole book. The 85 pages make it a very quick read.
Book Review: Great Little Book
Summary: 5 Stars
A pithy little handbook that gives rules and examples to help you avoid the most common mistakes in writing, plus some smart advice on the finer points by a renowned essayist and children's writer. It is by far the single most useful book on writing. But it is not the last word. For those who wish to go further, I recommend these books in addition to Strunk & White: The Prentice Hall Handbook for Writers, for a review of basic grammar and syntax; Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace, by Joseph M. Williams, for more detailed advice on constructing paragraphs; The Oxford Essential Guide to Writing, by Thomas Kane, for more general advice; and Garner's Modern American Usage, for intelligent, detailed, and up-to-date guidance on diction. All these books belong on the shelf of every serious writer.(By the way, I agree with the previous reviewer that the third edition is slightly preferable to the current one.)