The Elements of Style

During my English composition class as an undergraduate, we had to read this book twice, once at the beginning of the term, and again at the end. I have since referred to the pages so often that I am on my fourth or fifth copy, as the binding and pages have worn out from use. Long before books such as 'Woe is I' or 'Eats, Shoots and Leaves', this book, 'The Elements of Style' has held a certain pride of place in being useful, accessible and interesting in its presentation of a traditionally and typically boring subject - grammar and usage.

Among the pieces I re-read on a frequent basis is the list of commonly misused or abused words and phrases. Here is a list of easily corrected mistakes that the typical writer and speaker needs to keep in mind. Also, the suggestions for composition are gentle reminders that creativity and good craftsmanship need not be contradictory.

This is a wonderful gift and wonderful treat for oneself.


A posseder absolument   Novembre 1, 2002
Pierre HENON (charleville-mezieres, France)
4 sur 4 ont trouvé ce commentaire utile

Pour tous ceux qui ont trouve leurs cours d'anglais steriles et vains, consultez cet ouvrage de reference qui en contient plus en quelques pages sur l'expression anglo-saxonne que tous les cours en France.


For the student   Juillet 23, 2001
Konstantin Lissianski (Russia)
8 sur 8 ont trouvé ce commentaire utile

Strunk & White was a gift to me from my philosophy professor. I read it immediately and the knowledge I had gained from the book is impressive-I only wish that I would have read it at the beginning of my college career, and not towards the latter end. "The Elements of Style" has changed my writting and speaking mannerisms completely and I feel that my writting has become more fluent and professional. I am a pre-med major, and Strunk & White address issues that aid in scientific writting. I would strongly suggest for any student-highschool, college, or graduate-to read this and "keep it close at hand", just as my professor had said to me. And remember, rule 18: Omit Unnecessary Words.


The Little Book That Packs Quite a Wallop   Juillet 23, 2001
Konstantin Lissianski (Russia)
4 sur 4 ont trouvé ce commentaire utile

This book's small size is representative of its content: "Short and sweet." (My kind of reference book) Strunk is a no-frills kind of guy, and this is demonstrated in this concise, but powerful treatment of writing style. I advise any writer, technical or not, to obtain a copy of this one. Because of it's valuable content and low price, it's one of the best bargains around.