Good Advice on Writing [Hardcover]

William Safire (Author), Leonard Safir (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1992 | ISBN-10: 0671770055 | ISBN-13: 978-0671770051

Writers over the decades speak out on the art (and task) of writing, as collected by Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times language columnist William Safire and Leonard Safir. A feast for wordsmiths and a must-have handbook for writers of all stripes.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Pulitzer Prize-winning language guru Safire and his brother Safir have collected the wise and witty words of famous authors from Aristotle to Zinsser, who comment succinctly and cogently on elements of writing from "Accuracy" ("One should always aim at being interesting rather than exact"--Voltaire) to "Writer's Block" (see "Doggedness"). Although the book is intended as a reference, its quotable gems are for rereading and reflecting. The reader/writer can find solid advice (not surprisingly often contradictory), humor, and inspiration on each page. Now, what to write? Look under "Subject" and find E.B. White's recommendation: "A writer should concern himself with whatever absorbs his fancy, stirs his heart, and unlimbers his typewriter." This book is a treat for wordsmiths everywhere. BOMC and Quality Paperback alternates.
- Cathy Sabol, Northern Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Manassas
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (October 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671770055
• ISBN-13: 978-0671770051
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,956,924 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.