Plain English Handbook

by J. Martyn Walsh

5th Revised Edition 1966. Great petina on this old paperback!

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Writing, Textbooks, Self Help

Paperback

First published January 1, 1939

Reviews

[tai · Rating 5 out of 5]

9th edition, 1987.

This is a great book; I'm so glad I kept my copy from 9th grade English class. I've tried finding books that go over diagramming in the 20 years since and failed to find any that do such a good job as this. There's no better way to understand English!

I love that it has lists of verb forms and that the sections are ruthlessly numbered. This book feels like it has all the most important content of a larger, more authoritative book (like the Chicago Manual) but its small size makes it easy to find what you're looking for.

I'm a writer and editor now, so I just brought this in to work so I can look things up quickly without resorting to the Chicago Manual. Unfortunately, since the book is now out of print (why??) it still has all the scribbles and damage my 9th-grade self inflicted on it.

[Jan (the Gryphon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eighth Grade English: grammar, composition and spelling taught by Mrs. Deutsch, using this handbook as supporting text, was one of my favorite subjects. Definitions of the parts of speech, usage of the same and diagramming sentences for fun and profit are all gathered here. Also there are excellent examples of letters and other business writing for those that need them.

[Shannon]

1959 Edition, Pat Classen's copy

[Lauren Monsey Nagel · Rating 3 out of 5]

grammar,vintage

[Bill · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my favorite subject, but a fairly good quick reference for me when writing

[Mark Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superlative English reference book. The version I have is from 1939. I believe it was my father's 8th grade book. Cost was .05, yet a priceless resource 75 years later. Thanks, Dad

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the textbook I used in 7th grade honors English class. Back then, I did not fully appreciate how much this book would impact my life and love for literature. (So tragic how the English language has been diminished by texting!)