3.5
The Elements of Style
ByPublisher Description
With simple principles and helpful tips on usage and composition, as well as lists of common errors to avoid,
was first published during World War I by Cornell University professor William Strunk Jr. Originally intended for Cornell students, it would become widely renowned as a memorable short guide for those who want to write clear, correct, and effective prose. A staple in countless classrooms and a touchstone for generations, it is still relevant and useful a century later.
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3.5
“Brevity brings power; this book proves it. The only issue I have with this book is its tone: superiority. It reminds me of those books on writing that look down upon readers with a condescending tone. The author, himself, says a writer should avoid affecting a breezy attitude, but then his attitude toward readers is one of disdain and contempt. To appreciate this book's value I overlooked its tone. Since its original publication at the beginning of the last century, this book has seen multiple revisions under different authors and publishing houses; I'm surprised to see no one has thought of improving this book's tone, an act that would have widened its audience and deepened its impact. Sarcasm charms some ears but lacks effect. Our souls are drawn to those with positive spirit and their works.
This book also ignores an important fact: American English is a potpourri of mostly British English, French, and Spanish. If you open an American passport, you see its detail pages written in English, Spanish, and French. An "aerial" in Britain is an "antenna" in America; a "breeze block" of Britain is a "cinder block" in America; a car's "wing" in Britain is a car's "fender" in America; "I have eaten this morning" in Britain becomes "I ate this morning" in America. "Sombrero" from Spanish has stayed "sombrero" in English, but "pensée" from French has become "pansy" in English. The British may use "courgette" and "aubergine"; Americans call them "zucchini" and "eggplant."
Language is a living creature; it evolves by the year. Nearly a century has passed since this book was first self-published in America by its original author and then trade-published after its success. The book's latest version ignores the language's evolution during this period, whereas Garner's "Modern American Usage" and Swan's "Practical English Usage" consider this evolution and shows influences from Spanish and French. This evolution and influence show a language's flexibility and life.”
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