Writer's Reference (with 1999 MLA Update) [Spiral-bound]

Diana Hacker (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0312247540 | ISBN-13: 978-0312247546 | Publication Date: October 15, 1999 | Edition: 4 Spi

A proven success. The best-selling college textbook of any kind. Thoroughly class tested and enthusiastically endorsed by millions of students and their instructors at more than 1300 colleges and universities across the country. Updated with MLA's 1999 guidelines. Spiral.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 424 pages
• Publisher: Bedford Books; 4 Spi edition (October 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312247540
• ISBN-13: 978-0312247546
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #812,265 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent writing support..., September 7, 2000

By 

Alan R. Holyoak - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writer's Reference (with 1999 MLA Update) (Spiral-bound)

All students at Manchester College, IN, (where I teach) are expected to own and use a copy of this extremely helpful, user friendly reference guide to writing. The spiral bound format of the book is outstanding, since someone can have it open as they type, or jot down notes, or thoughts.

The book is organized into three major sections: 1) Composition/Style, 2) Correctness, and 3) Format/Basic grammar. Each of those major sections are subdivided into four supporting subsections as follows:

Composition/Style -- 1) Composing and revising, 2) Research writing, 3) Effective sentences, and 4) Word Choice.

Correctness -- 1) Grammatical sentences, 2) ESL Trouble spots, 3) Punctuation, and 4) Spelling and mechanics.

Format/Basic Grammar -- 1) Document design, 2) MLA documentation, 3) Alternative styles of documentation, and 4) Basic grammar.

In addition to those sections, there are tutorials at the front of the book that helps the user get the best benefit from support available in the book. There are also ESL hints throughout the text, not just in the section dedicated to ESL challenges. The index is helpful, there are several URLs at the back of the book where a writer can go for more help, and there is even a page that shows revision symbols.

There are ample examples throughout, and anyone who conscientiously applies the lessons in this book will become a better writer.

This is a top-flight book with great things to offer everyone -- from struggling first-year college students taking their first composition class to the polished professional writer.

The strengths of this text made this book the top choice to support our writing across the curriculum program at Manchester College. Many other colleges and universities also use this great book.

5 stars for utility and support.

Alan Holyoak, Dept of Biology, Manchester College, IN

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Useful Reference, February 25, 2000

By 

BHolt (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writer's Reference (with 1999 MLA Update) (Spiral-bound)

As a technical writer, I frequently use the book as a reference for MLA citations. As an editor, I use the book to resolve conflicts on the use of colons, enumerated lists, and acronyms. This is one of the few books I've found with a robust section on citing online references.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Professional and down to earth - all rolled into one, October 26, 2000

By 

Nom de plume (Kzoo, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writer's Reference (with 1999 MLA Update) (Spiral-bound)

Diana's book is very well planned, with a logical structure and plenty of examples. The book covers everything from ESL and MLA on to comma splices and sexist language. Moreover, I greatly recommend the spiral back version with the thumb index. Also, it comes on CD-ROM (contact her publisher).

I have been a great fan of Diana Hacker's books since college; now, as a translator and documentation engineer I still rely on her as my main source for grammar and usage.