How to Write Powerful Prose: An essay by the author of ‘Style’

by F.L. Lucas

Writing correct prose is one thing - writing powerful, persuasive prose quite another.F. L. Lucas, fellow of King's College, Cambridge and veteran of the Enigma team at Bletchley Park, wrote one of the 20th century's bestselling books on this second kind of writing. Lost for forty years, its dazzling and amusing advice is now back in print - and this eBook brings readers his brilliant essay on the same subject. A superbly condensed guide to the art of writing well, this eBook is the perfect introduction to the secrets of unforgettable English.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

21 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2012

About the author

Frank Laurence Lucas

Reviews

[Keith Cochran · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok book. I wouldn't scream "go out and buy it" but if you came across a copy, it's worth reading. Nothing earth scattering in this one. Most other writing books say the same thing.

[Daphne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book because I thought it was a how-to on writing powerful prose. It is not. The author clearly has great mastery of the English language. However, there are but a few references to powerful writing, and they are too general to be useful: Honesty, Courtesy, Brevity, Clarity.

Although I agree with the author that "our mother tongue is bettered or worsened by the way each generation uses it," I saw little value in the author's overemphasis on the "endemic plague of verbal dysentery" in all of 21 pages. Only after page 21, do you see that this essay is a preface to the actual book--Style: The Art of Writing Well.

I would not recommend unless you are interested in reading a rant on the author's elitist opinions on who can write better than whom. "For forty years at Cambridge I have tried to teach young men to write well, and have come to think it impossible. To write really well is a gift inborn; those who have it teach themselves; one can only try to help and hasten the process."

The author has followed one of his principles--Honesty. However, he was not courteous and way too brief to be clear.

I might have a different opinion if I read the actual book referenced at the end of this book. Perhaps I would see others' reasons for their high marks. I will reserve that review if and when I purchase it. If I do, it might just be out of curiosity--and if it's on sale.

[Erin Bomboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief, entertaining read unpacking what, exactly, contributes to vigorous, impactful prose. Lucas covers the obvious ground—clarity, brevity, wit, imagination—yet this pamphlet's success lies less in what says than what it is—the embodiment of his instructions.

[Mary Brace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infusing My Writing With Good Sense.

This book has a lot of giod tips for writing prose. I you even just read the highlighted sections you will come away with gold.

[Sophie Bowns · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was too general, extremely short and a lot of the words used made it feel a little inaccessible.

[Steven Atwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Lucas's essay about style was timely for me. He made a lot of good points that I am considering in regards to my own writing.

[Jm Rollins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fundamental information, but some of the examples are a bit dated. Short enough to read through in a couple of hours.

[Dustin Ruskin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Lots of good tips on creating your writing style. After reading I'm very interested in purchasing the whole book. These tips can also can be applied to everyday interactions.