The Elements of Style Illustrated by William Strunk Jr., E.B. White
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Book Reviews of The Elements of Style Illustrated
Book Review: Invaluable to Any Anglophone
Summary: 5 Stars
This is simply one of the best guides available on how to write the English language. Forty years ago, acclaimed author E.B. White edited and refurbished his 1918 English book written by his former Professor William Shrunk. Still in print today, a once dull, outdated textbook has been revamped and updated for the modern era in a colorful, modishly illustrated, succinct edition. The techniques and rules for writing are just as fundamental and undying since first featured in the original addition and are just as useful today.
"Elements of Style" shouldn't be considered a textbook in any sense, the word tends to deter readers; rather, it's best described as a simple compilation of basic rules of grammar and composition guidelines that aids everyone from the lifelong journalist to the occasional letter writer. This little red book contains a cache of rules, definitions, punctuations, and proper expressions condensed into five, clear, user-friendly, concise chapters.
"Get to the point. Omit needless words. Don't overwrite. Compose an accurate, concise discourse."
White demonstrates that the beauty of our language, as demonstrated by himself and other classical authors, is that we can all follow the same formalities of one another yet be so individualistic in style without sacrificing clarity. While the first half covers simple grammatical rules, the latter half of the five chapters is devoted to rules that will foster each writer's own unique ingenuity. In a rare assurance, this is one of the books that promises to change how you see your own words on paper.
Book Review: Rules made to be broken
Summary: 5 Stars
For over 50 years, William Strunk Jr & E. B. White's "The elements of styles" has given facts and rules about English language and writing. Half a century later some of these suggestions, so to speak, have been overcame, but, on the other hand, many of them are still quite useful - especially for the wannabe writers and students. But, if not for those who dared to break some suggested laws the literature could be in a standstill.
What is very useful about this book is that it is very sensible when it comes to give advices. "Omit needles words", "use the active voice", "express coordinate ideas in similar form" are some of them. Many are a little out of date, but most of them are still quite useful. In a time when people want to type fast, or use only 140 characters, abbreviations are very common, but very annoying as well. "They [abbreviations] distract [the readers'] attention and exhaust his patient".
In the special edition of "The elements of style" Maira Kalman's illustrations make reading the book a colorful experience. Her drawings help to highlight and fixate the main points, but what is most beautiful about Strunk & White's book is that the authors know that language is a entity in constant change. "The language is perpetually in flux: it is a living stream, shifting, changing, receiving new strength from a thousand tributaries, losing old forms in the backwaters of time". It is as if they were inviting us to break the very same rules they have just exposed - after all, rules are made to be broken.
Book Review: Very important resource for writers
Summary: 5 Stars
I wish I could remember who originally recommended the original Strunk & White Elements of Style to me. If I could remember, I would find them and hug them unabashedly.
If you're writing ANYTHING and care AT ALL about how it turns out then do yourself a favor and pick this one up. The organization is very strange (there isn't any to speak of) and the writing style is very direct. The result is a no-nonsense book that teaches you to cut the crap out of your writing.
There are many, many valuable lessons contained in Strunk's short and useful guide but the best ones, for me, are the ones regarding comma usage and his favorite command, "Omit needless words." During everything I've ever written since reading this book I've heard a disembodied voice telling me to remove words. I've noticed while editing other people's work that the piece can be improved dramatically by deleting all the words that say nothing.
It's a quick read but a necessary one for anyone doing any kind of writing.
Book Review: A must have book for any writer - including text messaging!
Summary: 5 Stars
The book itself will help you sound like a person who knows something. This is a good thing! It's the single best reference for writing correctly and communicating so people will understand you. If you send emails, text messages, keep a blog, or your own website, then you are writing all the time and doing it right will only create a good impression. The art by one of my favorites, Maira Kalman, is a wonderful addition. Keeps you turning the pages and gives a bright image just when you want one.Book Review: A Piece of Art for Those Who Love the Written Word
Summary: 5 Stars
This edition is perfect for the bibliophile, writer or grammarian. If you read this book the way I do, like a friend as beloved as "The Wizard of Oz" or "Pride and Prejudice," this classy volume and lovely set of illustrations give those hideous editions a run for their money. I can never return to my worn gray copy again! (And the book, of course, is the absolute gold standard on all things grammar - a win-win to the literary world!)