Customer Reviews

Prentice Hall Handbook for Writers (12th Edition)

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If the current edition of this book is like the second edition I've used for many years, it is a shop manual for English composition. Each part of a sentence is defined and illustrated. Most important, all types of sentences are diagrammed (at least I hope that feature survives in this edition). And there may be no better way to understand how a verbal construction works or doesn't work than to take it apart and put each piece in its place in a diagram. Diagramming is also a great tool to use in arguing various points of construction. The book also includes general rules and approaches to building complete manuscripts. And the table of contents and index get you quickly to what you want to know. All in all, an excellent preparation for writing and an equally good reference.

It has consice explanations and practical exercises. Especially for students who want to produce better written output, this book is the best choice. One thing I prefer is that the running head of each page should have full words (not abbreviations)and chapter number and title. It will make it easier to consult.

Concise, easy to use, and no fluff. I love this book and consider it a must for any writer or editor who needs gentle reminders of the basics, easy to forget and the not so basic. Glad I've added it to my collection, it's the most used.

The current edition is not like older editions. Much longer and less useful. Harder to find information on topics, which is the point of a reference.

This is incomparably the best and most comprehensive reference book one can use to improve his writing skill. Easy to use and interesting to read.