The Mountain Man's Field Guide to Grammar: A Fearless Adventure in Grammar, Style, and Usage

by Gary Spina

" The Mountain Man's Field Guide to Grammar " is the brainchild of a man who loved to write, but hated learning the rules."
Samuel G. Freedman, the New York Times A Fearless Adventure in Grammar, Style, and Usage Conquer new frontiers with this fresh & outrageous take on grammar! The Mountain Man's Field Guide to Grammar - with its fresh, witty, and humorous style - turns the stuffy old grammar book format on its head, delightfully reminding you that grammar can actually be fun. Whether you are a writer, professional, student, or just an adventurous soul, The Mountain Man's Field Guide to Grammar is the perfect trail guide to lead you safely through the tangles and gorges of the grammar wilderness. Seasoned throughout with colorful stories, clever anecdotes, and offbeat words of wisdom, The Mountain Man's Field Guide to Grammar relives the rollicking, riotous days of the old West and the long-lost lore of the mountain man. Mount up, and keep a sharp eye. Keep your steel keen and your powder dry. Where we go, few follow. "In writing this book, I have attempted to make each line of text, each rule of grammar, and each example fresh and new and original. But a noun is a noun and a verbal is a verbal, and festooning them in gaudy finery can neither add nor detract from their essence. American grammar and construction―the essential stuff―is staid and stately, elegant, sensuous, raw, and beautiful."
Gary Spina

Genres: Writing, Reference

358 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Maralyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book earns a place on the shelf where you have Strunk & White and other books about language. It's very specific to the mountain man's world, and yet the grammar rules/advice are cogent. What is particularly fun is how character relationships and eccentricities are developed as the grammar samples accrue. The wry, politically incorrect culture depicted is quite engaging. I loaned my copy to a young woman who studied English as a fourth language and now teaches it to young teens. She seems to have found it both captivating and enlightening.

[Acenith Claassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun way to dust the cobwebs off of your language skills! I quite enjoyed reading this book. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who just wants to brush up a little after years spent out of the classroom.

[Susan Katz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really is a grammar book. . .but I can't quite figure out the intended audience! I read about 40 pages, thinking that eventually it would turn into a story, but it didn't. I can't even think of who I might give this to!

[Mrs. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grammar, mountain men together? Yes, it's even better than you would imagine! Author uses his strong voice to entertain the reader while teaching us finer points of grammar. I wish I could require this for my students.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sounded interesting but turned out to be sort of boring,