Fumblerules [Paperback]

William Safire (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 153 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; 1 edition (August 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385413017
• ISBN-13: 978-0385413015
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #920,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Safire knows his stuff - and he knows it, too!, February 7, 2005

By 

Jasmine "Crimson Joy" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fumblerules (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.
=^-^=

0 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fumble Rules, May 18, 2010

By 

K. Murphy (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fumblerules (Paperback)

It will be interesting to see my students reactions to some of the information contained in this book.