A storehouse of practical writing tips, written in a lively, conversational style. Readers lean to develop a “writer’s sense” : the book demonstrates that writing is really applied psychology since it is essentially the art of creating desired effects. Provides an explanation of what effects are desirable and how to create them. An exceptional book that works successfully on several levels simultaneously. Provides new insight into: how to generate interesting ideas and get them down on paper; how to write a critical analysis; how to write a crisp opener; how to invigorate a banal style; how to punctuate with confidence; how to handle various conventions, and much more. For anyone who needs a reference guide on writing.
Excellent (though not perfect) This is a fine book, and I’m surprised it’s not better known. More useful than Strunk & White, less intimidating than Joseph Williams, it is the single best book for someone who is looking to improve their writing beyond spelling and grammar. With clear, succinct, and witty chapters on subjects which other books go overboard on — beginnings, middles, and ends; diction; punctuation; revising and proofreading — there is no better introduction to the art (beyond the craft) of writing. There are useful tips on usage and superstitions (“never use contractions”, “never split an infinitive”, etc.) as well as a twenty-five-page collection of quotes from writers about writing. Many of the points which Trimble considers most important are highlighted in boxes separate from the text, so if you’re in a hurry and looking for the meat of a chapter, it’s easy to find.
A Must for anyone interested in ‘Writing with Style’ Everyone knows about and owns a copy of Strunk and White, but I found this little book by Trimble to be a lot more useful and probably more relevant to writing today.