Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Elements of Style: A Timeless Guide to Writing with Clarity and Precision

Rate this book
The Elements of Style; Annotated Edition with Biographies and Historical Context

William Strunk Jr.

Step back to the origins of one of the most enduring works on English composition with this special annotated edition of The Elements of Style, first published in 1920 by William Strunk Jr. This edition presents the original text as it appeared in its earliest widely available form—concise, practical, and uncompromising in its call for clarity, brevity, and precision in writing.

In this annotated volume, readers will not only encounter Strunk’s straightforward rules of usage and principles of composition, but also benefit from added historical context and biographical insights that illuminate the intellectual world in which the work was conceived.

At the heart of this landmark guide lies Strunk’s conviction, expressed to his students at Cornell University, that “vigorous writing is concise.” His slim manual distilled the essentials of grammar, style, and expression, designed to sharpen the pen of any writer who aspired to mastery.

This annotated edition

Historical A close look at the educational climate of early 20th-century America, where growing demands for clear, direct prose gave rise to practical handbooks such as The Elements of Style.

A detailed profile of William Strunk Jr.—his career as a professor, his influence on generations of students, and the legacy of his uncompromising approach to language.

Whether you are a student, teacher, or admirer of English prose, this edition offers not only Strunk’s original, unembellished manual but also a deeper appreciation of its place in the history of American writing instruction. Experience the clarity of thought that first established The Elements of Style as a classic, and discover why its principles remain vital more than a century later.

57 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2024

10 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

About the author

William Strunk Jr.

63 books304 followers
William Strunk Jr. was a professor of English at Cornell University and, together with E.B. White, author of The Elements of Style (1918).

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1 (100%)
4 stars
0 (0%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
No one has reviewed this book yet.

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.