The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition

Reviews (See all 452) Write a reviewfor this

It's a hit!

This is not a book to read for mere leisure. It is dull and was originally a college textbook. However, the author(s) inject intellectual wit into ... (show more)

This is not a book to read for mere leisure. It is dull and was originally a college textbook. However, the author(s) inject intellectual wit into an otherwise dry premise, which is enough entertainment to compel any serious writer or student to finish this text.

Its content--pertaining mostly to grammar and diction--is outstanding. "The Elements of Style" is often referred to as the most important manual for writers, and it earns such a flattering title in just 85 pages. However difficult it may be to pick up a rule book on English grammar, the rewards earned by reading it from cover to cover far exceed any difficulty reading. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook-gebruiker

No, it's a flop!

Just go search Language Log for "elements of style" or "strunk and white" and you'll have a good idea of why I gave it half a star. Let's see if ht... (show more)

Just go search Language Log for "elements of style" or "strunk and white" and you'll have a good idea of why I gave it half a star. Let's see if html works in here: Lanaguage Log on Strunk and White. Get the Cambridge Guide to English Usage for actually useful advice. (show less)

 

 

by Mya Riemer

More Reviews

• 
  

  Rules are the parents of art. When an artist creates something, and creates it effectively, she is almost assuredly doing it because of or in spite of a rule. People are the same way when it comes to their parents, and regardless of liking mom and dad, they’re the ones everything goes back to. With a tome like The Elements of Style looming over the writing world, it doesn’t make any sense not to read it. Even if you couldn’t explain why you used the passive voice instead of the active voice, ... (show more)

  Rules are the parents of art. When an artist creates something, and creates it effectively, she is almost assuredly doing it because of or in spite of a rule. People are the same way when it comes to their parents, and regardless of liking mom and dad, they’re the ones everything goes back to. With a tome like The Elements of Style looming over the writing world, it doesn’t make any sense not to read it. Even if you couldn’t explain why you used the passive voice instead of the active voice, there is a rule out there says “use the active voice.” It’s not just in Strunk & White. It’s everywhere. The rules exist in a very abstract and touchy way, regardless of whether or not a writer is aware of them. To not read this book would be like getting really good at basketball without ever knowing anything about the sport beyond what you do in your driveway. You will eventually figure out that the ball goes into the hoop, and from there you’ll figure out that you may bounce the ball every once in awhile, maybe you’ll run and bounce it, and maybe you’ll figure out the best way to throw the ball with both accuracy and quickness. It’ll just take awhile, that’s all. And don’t count on making it to the NBA anytime soon. They like rules there, and working inside of them makes a lot of sense most of the time.

  So why did you use the passive voice instead of the active voice?

  The issue of “right and wrong” in creative writing is essentially the same as it is in music: if it sounds right, it is right. What good are scales if the coolest stuff isn’t in any particular scale? Some great melodies, riffs, and licks have completely ignored music theory. Likewise, the cut-ups of Burroughs, the broken grammar of Bukowski, and the repetitive sentence structure of Hemingway all break a couple rules every once in awhile. Whether or not it’s a conscious defiance is unimportant (because-of/spite-of) and the real focus should be on “How does doing this ‘incorrectly’ improve the overall effect of the passage?”

  The best part of this book, even beyond laying the foundation for—at the very least—cognitive writing, is the way it challenges the reader to develop their style through constant questioning. I found myself disagreeing with the rules numerous times, saying “Well, I guess, but what if . . .” almost every page. I disagreed with the rule, but that didn’t make it any less of a rule. Style is inherent. Grammar is not. With this book, you can work on both. (show less)

   

  by Ryan Werner on Feb 07, 2009 at 12:43AM

  Is this review helpful? yes no
   
• 
  

  The only style guides that I’ve ever read in the past have been handouts and photocopies given to me by teachers, so I don’t have anything to compare this one to. I came to it recently after constantly being told by my Creative Writing teachers for the past two years that it’s “essential”. I think it’s a handy little book that’s worth anyone’s time, but I did get the impression that its age (it’s based on material that was originally put together in 1918!) is its downfall.

  From the forward i... (show more)

  The only style guides that I’ve ever read in the past have been handouts and photocopies given to me by teachers, so I don’t have anything to compare this one to. I came to it recently after constantly being told by my Creative Writing teachers for the past two years that it’s “essential”. I think it’s a handy little book that’s worth anyone’s time, but I did get the impression that its age (it’s based on material that was originally put together in 1918!) is its downfall.

  From the forward it’s clear that the editors have gone to great lengths to keep it as up-to-date as possible, but I don’t plan on reading this as my only style guide. I think ‘The Elements of Style’ is great at what it does, and the fact that it’s remained so popular for so long speaks volumes about the timelessness of many of the rules. But I didn’t need to read the criticisms (of which you will find many online) to pick up on some of the points that just don’t sit right with me. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook-gebruiker on Nov 16, 2009 at 07:03PM

  Already read

  Is this review helpful? yes no
   
• See all reviews
  Write a review