On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (On Writing Well)
 

On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (On Writing Well)

by William K. Zinsser

Whether you write an occasional professional letter or a daily newspaper column, William Zinsser's On Writing Well should be required reading. Simplicity is Zinsser's mantra: he preaches a stripped-down writing style, strong and clear. He has no patience for excess (most use of adjectives and adverbs, he writes, just adds clutter) or tired phraseology (for instance, he'd like to outlaw all... (read more)

Top tags: writingreferencenonfictionhow-tonon-fiction (all tags)

 

Member Reviews

  • jcopenha
    4 of 4 members found this review helpful.
    • Rated 0 stars

    The best book on writing I've ever read. This book lightly touches on grammar, only to get it out of the way, and then is on to the act of writing. He focuses on the thought process of writing, what to write about, how to write about different subjects, and most importantly how to rewrite what you've just written. Everybody that writes, anything, should read the first section, titled "Principles". Those first fifty pages apply to all forms of writing and will serve you well. William Zinsser wrote in such an engaging style that I'll be adding at least two more of his books to my reading list. And because he talked about it so fondly I might even reread Walden, but that's a long shot.

    jcopenha wrote this review Friday, January 19 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • Sam Hranac
    1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
    • Rated 5 stars

    I agree with the happy reviewers here. The love he has for writing shows through. Perhaps not a book for rigid grammar Nazis, but then, they should be reading Elements of Style (as should we all).

    Sam Hranac wrote this review Friday, October 26 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • this girl drea
    1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
    • Rated 5 stars

    Brilliant. If you are a writer you should read this. Not just read it. Own it. Reread it. Reread it again.

    this girl drea wrote this review Thursday, August 30 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • Yogarific
    • Rated 5 stars

    Irregardless of what anyone say, I write good now because of this book.

    Yogarific wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • tvjoshi
    • Rated 5 stars

    Great book! I loved it. Inspires one to write, and do it the right way!

    tvjoshi wrote this review Thursday, May 29 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • Two Kinds of People
    • Rated 5 stars

    This little gem is essential for any writer's reference shelf.

    Two Kinds of People wrote this review Tuesday, May 6 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • T. Scarlet J
    • Rated 5 stars

    A very good resource for writers.

    T. Scarlet J wrote this review Tuesday, April 8 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • WickdSmaht
    • Rated 4 stars

    Zinsser's book was invaluable when I was taking non-fiction writing classes in college.

    WickdSmaht wrote this review Monday, March 3 2008. ( reply | permalink )
Displaying 1-10 of 13 reviews
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