Description
Book SynopsisEveryone talks about style, but no one explains it. The authors of this book do; and in doing so, they provoke the reader to consider style, not as an elegant accessory of effective prose, but as its very heart. At a time when writing skills have virtually disappeared, what can be done? If only people learned the principles of verbal correctness,
Trade ReviewPrix du Rayonnement de la langue et de la litterature francaises of the Academie Francaise "[For] the mature student, this is indeed a classic. For the connoisseur, it is indispensable."--Thomas D'Evelyn, Boston Book Review "An acclaimed new reference manual."--The Chicago Sun Times "Whether they can spark a revival in classic writing is uncertain, but Thomas and Turner serve their topic well. A good choice for the serious stylist and those learning the craft."--Library Journal "Thomas and Turner engagingly delineate the attributes of a classic style of writing... In the second half, Thomas and Turner cite examples of classic style in excerpts from the writing of well-known literary figures."--Booklist
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments vii Clear and Simple as the Truth 3 One: Principles of Classic Style 7 The Concept of Style 9 Recognizing Classic Style 14 The Elements of Style 19 The Classic Stand on the Elements of Style 27 Truth 27 Presentation 35 Scene 41 Cast 49 Thought and Language 61 Other Stands, Other Styles 72 Trade Secrets 103 Two: The Museum 113 Three: Further Readings in Classic Prose 197 Notes 207 Index 221
