A Writer's Reference, Fifth Edition (Plastic Comb)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

DIANA HACKER's handbooks, used at almost half of the colleges and universities in the country, are the most widely adopted in America. A member of the English faculty at Prince George's Community College in Maryland for almost 35 years, Diana Hacker personally class-tested her handbooks with nearly four thousand students. Diana Hacker's other handbooks, all published by Bedford/St. Martin's, include The Bedford Handbook (2006); Rules for Writers (2004); andA Pocket Style Manual (2004).

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS
NANCY SOMMERS, Sosland Director of Expository Writing at Harvard University, has also taught composition at Rutgers University and at Monmouth College and has directed the writing program at the University of Oklahoma. A two-time Braddock Award winner, Sommers is well-known for her research and publications on student writing. Her articles "Revision Strategies of Student and Experienced Writers" and "Responding to Student Writing" are two of the most widely read in the field. Her recent work involves a longitudinal study of undergraduate writing. Nancy Sommers is coauthor of Fields of Reading (2007) and tudent Writers at Work: The Bedford Prizes, both published by Bedford/St. Martin's.

TOM JEHN teaches composition and directs the writing across the disciplines program at Harvard University. A recipient of numerous teaching awards both at Harvard and at the University of Virginia, he also leads professional development seminars on writing instruction for public high school teachers through the Calderwood Writing Fellows Project.

JANE ROSENZWEIG, a published author of fiction and non-fiction, teaches composition and directs the writing center at Harvard University. She has also taught writing at Yale University and the University of Iowa.

MARCY CARBAJAL VAN HORN, assistant professor of English and ESL at Santa Fe Community College (FL), teaches composition to native and nonnative speakers of English and teaches the Advanced ESL Writing course. She has also taught university-level academic writing and critical thinking at Instituto Technológico y de Estudios Superiores in Mexico.

 

EDITORIAL ADVISERS:

Of the more than 500 experienced composition instructors who reviewed the new edition, a core group served as an editorial advisory board — carefully reviewing all new material in depth, making sure the book would work as well for their students as it always had.

Joanne ADDISON
University of Colorado, Denver

 

Derick BURLESON
University of Alaska, Fairbanks

 

Paige BYAM
Northern Kentucky University

 

Elizabeth CANFIELD
Virginia Commonwealth University

 

Richard CARR
University of Alaska, Fairbanks

 

Michele CHEUNG
University of Southern Maine

 

Jon CULLICK
Northern Kentucky University

 

David ENDICOTT
Tacoma Community College

 

Lin FRASER
Sacramento City College

 

Hank GALMISH
Green River Community College

 

Nancy GISH
University of Southern Maine

 

Jacqueline GRAY
St. Charles Community College

 

Barclay GREEN
Northern Kentucky University

 

Karen GROSSWEINER
University of Alaska, Fairbanks

 

D. J. HENRY
Daytona Beach Community College

 

Kandace KNUDSON
Sacramento City College

 

Tonya KROUSE
Northern Kentucky University

 

Tamara KUZMENKOV
Tacoma Community College

 

Cheryl LAZ
University of Southern Maine

 

Lydia Lynn LEWELLEN
Tacoma Community College

 

Jeanette LONIA
Delaware Technical and Community College

 

Walter LOWE
Green River Community College

 

Michael MACKEY
Community College of Denver

 

Tammy MATA
Tarrant County Community College

 

Holly MCSPADDEN
Missouri Southern State University

 

Liora MORIEL
University of Maryland, College Park

 

Patricia MURPHY
Missouri Southern State University

 

Melissa NICOLAS
University of Louisiana, Lafayette

 

Diane Allen O’HERON
Broome Community College

 

Sarah QUIRK
Waubonsee Community College

 

Ann SMITH
Modesto Junior College

 

Steve THOMAS
Community College of Denver

 

Nick TINGLE
University of California, Santa Barbara

 

Terry Myers ZAWACKI
George Mason University

 

--This text refers to an alternate Plastic Comb edition.

---

Product Details Plastic Comb: 520 pages Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's; Fifth Edition edition (October 2, 2002) Language: English ISBN-10: 0312397674 ISBN-13: 978-0312397678 Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #40,386 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

---

More About the Author

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

› Visit Amazon's Diana Hacker Page

---

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	69% buy the item featured on this page: A Writer's Reference, Fifth Edition 4.5 out of 5 stars (91)
	24% buy A Writer's Reference with 2009 MLA Update 4.7 out of 5 stars (3) $55.57
	3% buy Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Sixth Edition 3.2 out of 5 stars (85)
	2% buy A Writer's Reference with Integrated Exercises 3.0 out of 5 stars (1) $53.75

Explore similar items

---

Tags Customers Associate with This Product  (What's this?) Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people. Check the boxes next to the tags you consider relevant or enter your own tags in the field below.  creative writing(1) diana hacker(1) linguistics(1) writing skills(1) Your tags: Add your first tag

Search Products Tagged with   See most popular tags

---

Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store

If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store. Learn more

---

 

Customer Reviews

91 Reviews 5 star:  (66) 4 star:  (14) 3 star:  (7) 2 star:  (1) 1 star:  (3)           Average Customer Review 4.5 out of 5 stars (91 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 81 of 86 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent writing support..., September 7, 2000 By  Alan R. Holyoak (Idaho) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    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 59 of 62 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars This is a "must have" writer or editor's tool., April 30, 2002 By  Victoria Tarrani "writer, editor, artist, des... (Betwixt FL and CA, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    This review is from: A Writer's Reference (Paperback) Describing the contents of one of the most beneficial grammar books I study is difficult, though it is easy to read, research, check, verify, and use. Diana Hacker has written many books to help people understand and use the English language in the correct way. This is a heritage that also protects the language for future generations, just as dictionaries do. The Main Menu is divided into topics and the sections that relate to it. Within each of these is a category breakdown, as follows: Composition/Style: (C) Composing and revising, (D) Document Design, (E) Effective sentences, and (W) Word Choices. Correctness: (G) Grammatical sentences, (T) ESL Trouble spots, (P) Punctuation, and (S) Spelling and mechanics. Research/ Basic Grammar: (R) Research Writing, (M) MLA documentation, (A) Alternative styles of documentation, and (B) Basic grammar. The index is also helpful. I selected a topic at random--adjective phrases: (1) Infinite, 350, (2) participle, 349, (3) prepositional, 348-349, (4) punctuation of, 198, 205. The format displays what type of information is on that page. (1) Page 350 is B for basic grammar information, as are 348 and 349. Pages 98 and 205 are P or punctuation. This book is on my desk, and is one of the most useful tools I own. I cannot recommend it enough. Any serious writer, editor, or student needs it. 5 stars. Victoria Tarrani 18 of 18 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars This book is the First Aid Manual for Every Serious Writer., July 26, 1999 By A Customer This review is from: A Writer's Reference (Plastic Comb) As an English instructor, I have mulled over various texts in the search for the most student and instructor accessible book. My search ended when I found Professor Hacker's A Writer's Reference. This concise work includes introduction to grammar and style, a review of the basics, and an extensive guide to research. My colleagues and I agree that Professor Hacker's book should be required as a resource in English courses. The book is true to its title; it is a writer's reference.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 4.0 out of 5 stars A writer's reference I am using it as a refresher to get back into academic writing, very helpful. Published 1 month ago by Monica Shea 5.0 out of 5 stars Don't write without this. A must for anyone that has to do a lot of writing or someone who needs to improve their skills. Could easily be used in middle school as well as college. Read more Published 1 month ago by M. Robinson 3.0 out of 5 stars A Writer's Reference The book is in decent condition. The spiral binding is a little broken, but nothing big. Published 1 month ago by Stephania Anders 5.0 out of 5 stars A Writer's Reference (Custom 6th Edition for the University of Alabama) This book is well thorough nad details what is needed in how to write or type reports. Published 2 months ago by Sylvia Maxwell 4.0 out of 5 stars Good Seller The product was in great condition. The shipping was fast, and was what I wanted. Great seller! Published 3 months ago by A. O'Leary 5.0 out of 5 stars Writer's Reference Delivery was a little slow but the product was is great condition. Service was honest. Published 4 months ago by D. Long 5.0 out of 5 stars A Writer's Reference Well organized with insight on why, as well as examples on how to write the intended styles. A compendium of writing knowledge, and know-how. Read more Published 4 months ago by George Anderson 5.0 out of 5 stars Book I expected I orderd this book at the last minute but it was a great buy. The discription of the book was perfect. Published 4 months ago by Y. Zayas 5.0 out of 5 stars Great deal!! The book was in excellent condition just as the seller said...the shipping was really fast...it took around 5 days and thats quite fast for the distance it traveled. Published 5 months ago by Emily Bertini 5.0 out of 5 stars Feedback for A Writer's Reference This publication is a must have for any student or professional writer to own. It provides excellent, straight-forward examples along with the syntax necessary to produce... Read more Published 5 months ago by Laura Alston Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

---

Customer Discussions

This product's forum Discussion Replies Latest Post No discussions yet Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight Start a new discussion Topic: First post: Receive e-mail when new posts are made Prompts for sign-in   Guidelines Active discussions in related forums Discussion Replies Latest Post creative writing What is your favorite quotation about writing? 28 1 day ago writing skills How-To Manuals 1 2 days ago textbook Textbooks for Kindle DX? 61 3 days ago linguistics How has english changed in your lifetime? 13 6 days ago linguistics Interested in Linguistics 5 6 days ago textbook textbook scam 66 8 days ago textbook Amazon is a great place to buy textbooks! 35 20 days ago Search Customer Discussions Search all Amazon discussions

The Creative Writing community Latest activity 20 hours ago 954 customers have contributed 563 products, 88 lists & guides and more... › Explore the community The Linguistics community Latest activity 1 day ago 1,646 customers have contributed 1,890 products, 93 lists & guides and more... › Explore the community The Writing Skills community Latest activity 8 hours ago 1,194 customers have contributed 924 products, 61 lists & guides and more... › Explore the community Related forums creative... (3 discussions) linguistics (5 discussions) textbook (18 discussions) writing skills (1 discussion) Explore more › See all Customer Communities › Your communities

---

Listmania!

Legal Writing: A list by lwpat "lwpat"   Technical Writer's Reference Shelf: A list by Julie M. Tarr "Julie"   Intro to Writing for the English Major: A list by Katherine D. Harris Create a Listmania! list

Search Listmania!

---

So You'd Like to...

Improve Your Nonfiction Writing Skills?: A guide by C. J. Singh Create a guide

Search Guides

---

Product Information from the Amapedia Community

Beta (What's this?)

Be the first person to add an article about this item at Amapedia.com.

› See featured Amapedia.com articles

---

Look for Similar Items by Category

• Books > Reference > Words & Language > Linguistics
• Books > Reference > Writing > Writing Skills

---

Look for Similar Items by Subject

Search Books by subject:
Language Arts & Disciplines
Reference
Language
Language Arts & Disciplines / Composition & Creative Writing
Linguistics
Writing Skills
Composition & Creative Writing - General
English language
Grammar
Handbooks, manuals, etc
Report writing
Rhetoric


i.e., each book must be in subject 1 AND subject 2 AND ...

Ad feedback

 

Feedback If you need help or have a question for Customer Service, contact us.  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? Is there any other feedback you would like to provide? Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to all feedback submitted via this form, but we'll ask you to sign in so we can contact you if needed.

Your Recent History

 (What's this?)

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.

› View and edit your browsing history

Get to Know Us Careers Investor Relations Press Releases Amazon and Our Planet Make Money with Us Sell on Amazon Join Associates Self-publish with Us › See all Let Us Help You Shipping Rates & Policies Amazon Prime Returns Help

Canada | China | France | Germany | Japan | United Kingdom  And don't forget: Amazon Windowshop | AmazonWireless | Askville | Audible | DPReview | Endless | IMDb | Shopbop | SoundUnwound | Warehouse Deals by Amazon | Zappos Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice  © 1996-2009, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

Product Details

• Plastic Comb: 520 pages
• Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's; Fifth Edition edition (October 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312397674
• ISBN-13: 978-0312397678
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #40,386 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Alan R. Holyoak (Idaho) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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

59 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a "must have" writer or editor's tool., April 30, 2002

By	Victoria Tarrani "writer, editor, artist, des... (Betwixt FL and CA, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Writer's Reference (Paperback)

Describing the contents of one of the most beneficial grammar books I study is difficult, though it is easy to read, research, check, verify, and use. Diana Hacker has written many books to help people understand and use the English language in the correct way. This is a heritage that also protects the language for future generations, just as dictionaries do.

The Main Menu is divided into topics and the sections that relate to it. Within each of these is a category breakdown, as follows:

Composition/Style:
(C) Composing and revising, (D) Document Design, (E) Effective sentences, and (W) Word Choices.
Correctness:
(G) Grammatical sentences, (T) ESL Trouble spots, (P) Punctuation, and (S) Spelling and mechanics.
Research/ Basic Grammar:
(R) Research Writing, (M) MLA documentation, (A) Alternative styles of documentation, and (B) Basic grammar.

The index is also helpful. I selected a topic at random--adjective phrases: (1) Infinite, 350, (2) participle, 349, (3) prepositional, 348-349, (4) punctuation of, 198, 205.

The format displays what type of information is on that page. (1) Page 350 is B for basic grammar information, as are 348 and 349. Pages 98 and 205 are P or punctuation.

This book is on my desk, and is one of the most useful tools I own. I cannot recommend it enough. Any serious writer, editor, or student needs it. 5 stars.

Victoria Tarrani

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is the First Aid Manual for Every Serious Writer., July 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Writer's Reference (Plastic Comb)

As an English instructor, I have mulled over various texts in the search for the most student and instructor accessible book. My search ended when I found Professor Hacker's A Writer's Reference. This concise work includes introduction to grammar and style, a review of the basics, and an extensive guide to research.

My colleagues and I agree that Professor Hacker's book should be required as a resource in English courses. The book is true to its title; it is a writer's reference.