Customer Reviews

Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace (10th Edition)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book contains informative lessons on grammar, sentence structure, clarity, concision, etc. The only problem I had with this book is the wordiness of the authors. Sometimes the lessons are extremely repetitive, sure it helps to drill it in your brain, but that's only if you're focused enough to keep reading. If you'd like the lessons in a shorter format, buy Style: The Basics in Clarity and Grace. You get the same lessons without the fluff.

Williams stands out in a crowded field of experts on writing. He delves into more detail than any other expert on the topics of clarity and coherence, providing a systematic approach to diagnosing a piece of writing and correcting its flaws. He even has insights about concepts for which I thought no new insight was possible, such as the concept of topic sentences. While most writing instructors will teach you to use topic sentences and where to place it, Williams goes into extensive detail about what makes a proper topic sentence (what he calls a point sentence)and how it must introduce not only the paragraph's characters and actions, but also the paragraph's themes or concepts. You might uncover the same principles of clear writing if you carefully study several style books, but why work so hard when Williams has distilled and explained the principles already in one book?

This was one of the textbooks we used for our college writing course, and I have to admit I don't usually enjoy writing, and particularly, the grammar and style that needs to go into essays. When I heard that we had to do lessons on them with this textbook, I wasn't looking forward to it. But once I started reading, I found it to be quite interesting, as it doesn't emphasize the rules of writing, but more of writing coherently and clearly. The authors are very engaging, rather than just saying this is what you need to do in your writing. If you are looking for a book to help improve your writing style, I would say give it a try!

This text is a useful tool for a person trying to understand English style and grammar and how they work. The book even describes some elements of style that have changed over time (for example rules that have been made up or others that are obsolete). I am an English Comp. teacher at a university, and I plan to use this book as a resource in my class; it will help me articulate some of the errors I see frequently in papers.

Prior to writing my PhD dissertation in 1992, I bought and read an earlier edition of this book and it helped me tremendously. I gave it away away to the company library so that others can also improve their writings and I bought this latest edition. It has been improved and a bit expanded, it is the best available advise on how to write well.

This book is great for non-native English speakers. It does not teach about grammar but how to write effectively for any audience. I recommend this book!

invaluable aid for anyone seeking to write better. One of the best purchases I've made. Turned writing from a anxiety-filled chore into an enjoyable adventure.

The book arrived towards the end of the specified time range for delivery. But it was in the condition advertised.

Rarely should one review a book unread. However . . . Beware of the extremely cheap production on this expensive paperback. Printed by Pearson Higher Education, within a day of its arrival the beautiful cover opened on its own and curled back at a 60 degree angle. I want to read the contents but regret that the printer did not use a heavier cover (even laminated, seems like 12 pt.) It's a production embarrassment.

I'm not sure why this book exists. It is of no help to those who can already write and it is so complicated and prolix as to exasperate any freshman forced to read it. A good example is chapter two, "correctness." Williams categorizes grammatical and rhetorical saws by "Folklore," "Elegant Options," and "Hobgoblins." He does not educate the beginning writer regarding any of these rules, but rather indulges himself in analyzing grade-school shibboleths. Students attempting to understand his dissertation regarding "that" and "which" will only be baffled and continue believing that grammar is a form of magic, useful only to those who have been initiated. Williams offers a no-man's land: he gives nothing to help the student, and his analysis of grammar ignores the subtleties that underlie "correct" usage and the exceptions to the rules.

I really have nothing positive to say about the book, so I will stop here. If you are a beginning writer and are looking for instruction in good writing, don't buy a rule book. Instead, read some good prose and pay attention to it. Read any of the Oxford Companions. The entries are brief, well-written, and have interesting content. You can leaf through the volume and stop at any entry that catches your attention. Read The Economist. Read anything by John McPhee. The list is long; if you are a student, ask your teacher for the name of a favorite non-fiction writer. If you have a copy of Williams, give it to someone you don't like.