The Writer's Harbrace Handbook

by Cheryl Glenn, Loretta Gray

THE WRITER'S HARBRACE HANDBOOK, Fifth Edition, is grounded in the belief that an understanding of the rhetorical situation--the writer, reader, message, context, and opportunity for writing--provides the best starting point for effective writing and reading. This comprehensive handbook guides student writers in employing that rhetorical understanding as they choose the most effective information to include, the best arrangement of that information, and the most appropriate language to use. The text moves students through the steps that constitute successful writing from finding appropriate topics and writing clear thesis statements to arranging ideas and developing initial drafts. THE WRITER'S HARBRACE HANDBOOK also provides several sample student papers in various disciplines, along with instruction for successfully completing similar assignments.

Genres: Writing, Reference, Nonfiction

911 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 2002

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not worth the squeeze.

In the preface the authors mention they update this handbook every year to reflect trends.
After seeing the "netiquette" tips and website design/online writing sections I can verily say this is a product of it's times.

The best parts I harvested:
-How to create and sharpen research questions
-Evaluating a source for authority and noteworthiness
-interviewing experts and designing questionnaires

Just okay:
Grammar and parts of speech materials, pretty standard.

The letdowns:
It's geared more toward academic, research paper, and formatting.
The business writing section is woefully dated and uninspired.
MLA/APA etc. rules. Eh, I'm sure these have been updated. Not a great use of space.
The section on note taking is geared towards research and not helpful for note taking in live sessions, presentations, or workshops.

[Lady Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't ask for a better guide to grammar. I wish more writers used a grammar handbook like this one.

[Ke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not really a page-turner, but a great reference.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used to teach Baylor freshmen (ENG 1302). Read parts.