The Classic Guide to Better Writing: Step-by-Step Techniques and Exercises to Write Simply, Clearly and Correctly (Paperback)

by Rudolf Flesch (Author) "The trouble with writing starts right at the beginning..." (more)
Key Phrases: section that will help, New York, Don't Write Write, Uncle Dockery (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Published as The Way To Write in 1946, this has become a staple. This 50th-anniversary edition has been redesigned to make the lessons easier to absorb.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Every phase of writing is addressed in this authoritative, practical guide. Specific topics include: organizing information, discovering a personal voice, enhancing readability and checking grammar and spelling. Featuring hundreds of exercises and written in a relaxed, entertaining style, this is the perfect aid for the many Americans who wish to improve their communication skills in both their business and personal lives.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Collins Reference; 50th Anniversary edition (May 24, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062730487
• ISBN-13: 978-0062730480
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,823 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Transformational Guide That Can Turn You into an Effective Writer, November 27, 2006

By	Professor Donald Mitchell "Jesus Makes Me a P... (Boston) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

Most people hated writing essays in school. At work, memorandums continue to be a pain to read . . . and an even bigger pain to write.

For the last three years, I've encouraged my graduate students to begin their studies by writing an essay based on Adler's and Van Doren's How to Read a Book. Then, I ask the same students to read The Classic Guide to Better Writing, summarize its key points in 1,000 words, and then write 2,500 words about what they learned about how to improve the last essay they wrote.

After that experience, each student has become an effective writer . . . even though most were not before reading and applying this book.

I don't know of another resource that is nearly as effective for learning how to be an effective writer of essays.

Although it takes time to develop this foundation skill, you'll save much more time in the long run . . . and be much more effective in whatever you do if you read and apply Dr. Flesch's classic.

Be sure to do the exercises!

79 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An oldie but a goodie., March 9, 2000

By	Andy Todes (Haddonfield, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

the most cogent and USEFUL guide to writing crisp, clean sentences. if you're the type of person who learns best by example, this is your bible.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Like school? Then maybe you'll like this book., December 9, 2006

By	Joshua P. Sowin (North Port, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Even though I finish most books I read, I couldn't get through this one. It was like attending school: bloody boring and filled with exercises. I decided I would go through a chapter a night, but my decision was in vain - after a few nights, I quit. I recommend instead "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser. I couldn't put it down. Also recommended, of course, is "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White.