Pulitzer Prize Award Winner, Grammar Wiz, & New York Times curmudgeon offers the reader the "word" on words with some sound advice along with his light-hearted essays. A funny, self-mocking, light-hearted, sassily educational guide to good grammar and style. Well-worth reading.
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More About the Author
William Safire began his writing career as a reporter, became a speechwriter in the Nixon White House, and re-crossed the street to write an Op-Ed column in the New York Times for the next three decades. He also wrote the weekly "On Language" column in the New York Times Magazine. He was a winner of the Pulitzer Prize for commentary and the Medal of Freedom.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Jasmine
Format:Paperback
Safire definitely knows what he's talking about-and he isn't afraid to tell it to your face, either. I love the cocky attitude of this handbook, and I doubt I'll ever have as much fun learning about grammar and rules again-unless I read another of his books! I've read this book twice-and plan to read it again soon-and it reads like a joke book. It's laugh out loud funny, and his humor is right up my alley (avoid clichés like the plague).
At the beginning of the book, he bluntly tells you to `do as I say, not as I do' which it would behoove you to take notice of, as every chapter title is in itself a grammatical error. (And behoove seems to be his favorite word) For example, the chapter on double negatives is called: Don't use no double negatives. From run-on sentences to using negative statements, this book has it all.With colorful phrases like, `blond enough to make a bishop kick a hole through a stained glass window' and painfully demonstrative examples, this book is for anyone looking for an educational laugh. Safire's point is always clear, straight and to the point, making this one of my favorite books. Don't hesitate, and buy it now! (And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.)
But remember: Never use prepositions to end sentences with.
=^-^=
At the beginning of the book, he bluntly tells you to `do as I say, not as I do' which it would behoove you to take notice of, as every chapter title is in itself a grammatical error. (And behoove seems to be his favorite word) For example, the chapter on double negatives is called: Don't use no double negatives. From run-on sentences to using negative statements, this book has it all.With colorful phrases like, `blond enough to make a bishop kick a hole through a stained glass window' and painfully demonstrative examples, this book is for anyone looking for an educational laugh. Safire's point is always clear, straight and to the point, making this one of my favorite books. Don't hesitate, and buy it now! (And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.)
But remember: Never use prepositions to end sentences with.
=^-^=
Format:Paperback
When I first read Fumblerules by William Safire, I wondered where it had been all my life. Safire clearly, succinctly, and in a straightforward manner (with a bit of wit and humor) provides lessons in grammar, punctuation, and composition. It's a wonder and a shame that this isn't a textbook used in elementary school English classes or at least college level composition 101. Anyone who ever has to write a paper for school or business should read this book at least once. Anyone who wants to learn to write for recreation or publication should read this book at least twice.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
For anyone who gets a kick out of the english language and the ways we can find to butcher it, this is a highly entertaining and instructional book. I recommend it without reservation.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't trip over your Fumblerules!
This is one of my favorite books, and is hilarious. Each chapter has as its title a breaking of the rule. My favorite is "Take the bull by the hand, and stop mixing metaphors". Read more
Published 7 months ago by SallyMJ
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fumble Rules
It will be interesting to see my students reactions to some of the information contained in this book.
Published on May 18, 2010 by K. Murphy
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