Mac is not a typewriter 2nd (second) edition Text Only

by Robin P. Williams

"Ever wonder why some type looks more professional, more sophisticated than other type? Professional typesetters went through different training than is given in Typing 1A---text from a typesetting machine uses a different set of standard rules than does text from a typewriter. This book explains all the inside techniques and rules governing traditional type---techniques and rules that should be applied to all the type coming from personal computers, whether the computer is a Macintosh or any other model. Following this book guarantees you type will be more impressive and of better quality. The Mac is not a typewriter not only lays down guidelines, but explains the logic behind them, such as why punctuation should be hung, why there should not be two spaces after periods, why text set in all caps should be avoided. The most troublesome punctuation issues are also addressed, such as where apostrophes belong, whether the period goes inside or outside the parentheses, on which side of the quotation mark should the comma be placed---details that were often left up to the typesetter because she was trained to know those things. Every person who uses a keyboard should read this book and follow these time-tested precepts. No matter what the final project, the Mac gives the potential to create beautiful, sophisticated type." (from backcover)

Genres: Reference, Design, Nonfiction, Technology, Writing, Business, Computers

Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Robin P. Williams is an American writer of computer-related books. She is particularly known for her manuals of style The Mac is Not a Typewriter and The Non-Designer's Design Book, as well as numerous manuals for various Mac OS operating systems and applications, including The Little Mac Book. Williams has also spent years studying William Shakespeare, and in 2006 issued her book Sweet Swan of Avon: Did a Woman Write Shakespeare? in which she proposed the writer Mary Sidney as a candidate in the Shakespearean authorship question.

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tiny book is a perfect companion to Lynn Truss's "Eats, Shoots & Leaves". It picks up where Ms Truss leaves off, answering questions many of us sticklers didn't even know we had about the difference between a hyphen and a dash or tabs and indents and how many spaces to use between sentences. The appendices provide an excellent reference to the ascii codes for "unusual" characters as used by various word processors. An invaluable tool for anyone using type in design, or anyone who cares that their documents, now almost exclusively created on computer, hold up to the standards of the good old days.

[James Rayman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a quick read, and even though the discussion around software is dated, the general style guidelines are still valuable. I'm pretty nit-picky about my typesetting, and I still learned a few things from this book (e.g. about hanging punctuation). Though, there are also a few recommendations which may not be relevant to everyone or every document processor. For example, LaTeX (mostly) takes care of spacing, kerning, and line wrapping for you, and at least to me, writing a.m. and p.m. in small caps looks awkward.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give as present to Art Director friends

[Bow Chambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book doesn’t hold up in a real world setting.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two prerequisites for getting the most out of this book:

1. A computing machine of much antiquity (or a Mac, if Macs have kept the same keystrokes since 1990).

2. A thick skin as author Robin Williams could easily be described as a disgruntled junior college professor who has graded one-too-many bad papers. The book is laced with sarcasm with which I am annoyed but also admire simultaneously. Bottom line: if you crossed her grammatically on the street, she would challenge you to a rumble. But you probably wouldn't find her on a street as she's too busy kerning text.

My jesting aside, the book is very helpful. She discusses common grammatical errors as well as how to present your papers/headings/"pages" in a way that is aesthetically pleasing. Some of the information is extremely dated since it was published nearly 20 years ago (I believe Macs presently have more than 5 or so fonts), but the basic rules are still applicable and ones on which many of us could use a refresher. I also feel very strongly that every text/internet language-obsessed teenager should be required to read it.

My criticism:

I'm all for correct grammar usage but I do think it's something people can take too far. The judging, oh the judging. For instance, I'm paranoid about all of the errors I've made in this review alone which I don't think is something I should be wasting energy over. Yes, I still get embarrassed more than the average person (probably) when I discover I've made an obvious mistake, but there are people who take it way too far. Unless someone is paying me, I find going over letter spacing with a fine-toothed comb to be a waste of what little time I have in this life. That's what peer review and editors are for.

[Kaye McSpadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently re-read this book and was reminded how fabulous it is. Along with Williams' other works, including The Non-Designer's Design Book and the Non-Designer's Type Book, this is essential reading for anyone who works on newsletters and other print materials but is not professionally trained. These books are some of the most clearly-written, helpful, practical, and informative books I've ever read. (Note: if you're a Mac person, you should read The Mac is Not a Typewriter instead.)

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the earlier edition of this book when I first transitioned from typewriter to computer (and Macs happened to be my introduction to the world of computing). There are lots of great tidbits in here, from the proper use of quotations and dashes to combining fonts and making sure your document is readable with them. It's presented very well so that it is easy to follow and to find your way to the information you need.

[Ram Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best little book I have ever seen offering so much information and inspiration for the crafting of better writing. Very informed and credible author who knows her semicolons really well . . . very few do! And she makes it all very interesting while pointing out mere typing is not good writing.

[Nicole J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reference book should be on everyones desk. I believe we have all become a little lazy with type, punctuation etc. This book has all the little things that make for professional writing summed up in "an easy to find" manual.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin Williams is so clear.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dry, but good info for typing things correctly and more up-to-date.

[Irene]

what i remember from the first few pages...do not double space after a period!

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good book to keep around if you use a mac for writing or for design. the whole "i'm superior because i'm a mac owner" attitude can get really irritating, though.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, humorous, and extremely useful.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. Filled in some important gaps.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book on the differences between the PC and the typewriter. I've had a PC for a number of years and didn't ever learn to type on a typewriter, so this book didn't help me much.

[s2artM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great primer on how to use a computer correctly to set type. A must have for anyone serious about books and book design.

[Cp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book recommended by a very savvy nun who taught me graphic design in undergraduate school.

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated, but most of the advice still holds true. Even with auto-formatting, it's easy to commit some grammatical/stylistic blunders. And the advice still works for most photo-editing software as well.

[Eric Waldbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has some clever writing tips. A few things were outdated or questionable, but it was mostly good and a quick read.

[Marico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to understand and entertaining to read.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

you learn how to type!!