The Elements of Style (4th Edition)

I still read the introduction, and I still glance through the book looking for encouragement and inspiration. The effort pays off when I write a ghastly sentence in the middle of an important e-mail and consider pressing the "send" button. I remember that I may save one reader by re-writing that sentence.

I could slink off the field of battle, but instead, I lower my lance and charge. Strunk and White remind me that the battle is worth it and that, by God, it's fun.


Buy it. Read it. Live it.   February 17, 2008
Russell G. Moore (North Ridgeville, OH)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

If you are reading these reviews, you are either a writer or a student. Both of these appointments require the use of this book and regularly. Do not let your library be without this reference.

As textbooks go, this is a shiny penny. It is easy on the eyes and easy on the cerebrum. Many times I find myself consulting it for the proper placement of commas and such. I'll pick it up from time to time and read a few pages just to keep myself sharp. How many times I have out to use something I read in passing.

Buy it. Read it. Live it.


The Elements of Style   June 26, 2006
JY (Australia)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

About twenty years ago I attended a report writing course for technical people and was given a copy of "The Elements of Style" as a guide to writing technical reports for non technical people. Over the years it has proved invaluable and when I found it was available on Amazon.com I purchased five copies, a new one for myself, one for each of my sons as they enter into their professional careers and a spare one that I will give to some deserving person when the opportunity arises.


Concise and Informative   June 11, 2005
S. Peek (Rocky Mountains, USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is a great reference for anyone who communicates in English.

This small book takes a subject that is generally dry and makes the most of it. Reading a volume on the rules of usage and principles of composition is normally rather tedious. In this compact guide, the authors educate readers in a rather painless way.

Most people would benefit from an occasional refresher in this area. Even many professional writers would do much better if they absorbed some of the principles here. There are some rules that seem pretty rigid. Some of the rules don't seem very applicable any more due to evolution in the language.

Nevertheless, this is a valuable guide that will benefit anyone who reads it.