Reviews

Review by ZyPhReXon (Top #3000 Amazon Reviewer)
The Elements of Style: Classic EditionAs a preamble, what follows is a not only a review but a revamped cursory juxtaposition between The Elements Of Style: Classic Edition, which is the main book discussed and reviewed, and The Elements Of Style 4th Edition, which is a slightly similar book covering many of the same rules.Having purchased both within the last month, I thought it prudent to comment on some of the differences between both books. Although somewhat alike, both books still differ in some respects, but both offer ample from which any individual may learn much from.The Elements Of Style [Classic Edition] by William Strunk Jr. and edited by Richard De A'Morelli is meant as a tribute to the work Prof. Strunk undertook over 100 years ago in creating this book. This particular book features a forward by Richard De A'Morelli titled Grammar & Style For The 21st Century, instead of the one written by Roger Angell in the 4th Edition. The former is eight pages long, while the latter is only two pages long. De A'Morelli's foreword sets the stage better in this book than the previous book.The book blurb does mention that there are some rules which are now obsolete, and there are editorial notes which focus on that in the book.One really significant improvement in the Classic Edition is that after each Rule is mentioned and examples are shown, it's much easier to discern which are the good examples and which ones are not.The Elements Of Style: Classic Edition covers a wide range of elements within writing. From form, composition, mistakes in diction, to a few other common mistakes done in writing, the book gives a very solid foundation upon which writers may begin their adventures.Overall, given all the book offers in such a small package, it really is a great deal and a high value educational book--any individual working on their writing skills would benefit from having it.