Happy 50th, 'Elements of Style'

Posted on March 27, 2009 by Laura Christianson

elements-of-style1

When I was in high school, I read Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style. Just for fun. (Yeah, I know I’m weird.)

The little volume — considered a must-read for every writer and wannabe writer — was ancient when I read it. Published in April 1959, the book has sold more than 10 million copies during its lifetime.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Longman Publishers released a special black leather-bound, gold-embossed edition.

I like The Elements of Style‘s emphasis on the basics:

  • Use active voice.
  • Use simple words, not fancy ones.
  • Show; don’t tell.
  • Keep it short.

Please share your Elements of Style memory.

Source:
Kates, William. “Omit Needless Words: ‘Elements of Style’ Turns 50.” The Seattle Times, March 21, 2009

This entry was posted in Free-For-All, Twitter, Writing. Bookmark the permalink.
  • http://youmakeitup.com/ Mary K Weinhagen

    WOW! Didn’t know there was another who had read this one ‘just for fun’! LOL

    I still have (and refer to) the copy I picked up in the 70′s! I remember one of the the things that amazed me, upon that first reading, was discovering (in the chapter on commonly misused words) that my brother didn’t just IRRITATE me, he AGGRAVATED me too! ;-) And how he felt them both about me when I explained the difference… like little miss ‘know-it-all’

  • http://youmakeitup.com Mary K Weinhagen

    WOW! Didn’t know there was another who had read this one ‘just for fun’! LOL

    I still have (and refer to) the copy I picked up in the 70′s! I remember one of the the things that amazed me, upon that first reading, was discovering (in the chapter on commonly misused words) that my brother didn’t just IRRITATE me, he AGGRAVATED me too! ;-) And how he felt them both about me when I explained the difference… like little miss ‘know-it-all’

  • http://www.bloggingbistro.com/ Laura

    Mary,

    We are a strange and dying breed — people who actually enjoy learning about grammar, usage, and style. I believe The Elements of Style can take at least some of the credit for my decision to become a writer. Through that book, I fell in love with the nuances of the English language.

    Laura Christianson

  • http://www.bloggingbistro.com Laura

    Mary,

    We are a strange and dying breed — people who actually enjoy learning about grammar, usage, and style. I believe The Elements of Style can take at least some of the credit for my decision to become a writer. Through that book, I fell in love with the nuances of the English language.

    Laura Christianson