The Elements of Style: The Original Edition (Dover Language Guides) Paperback – May 26, 2006

This is a must have for anyone interested in writing or learning how to refine how they write daily. My local librarian introduced me to a later version of this book which has a few additional notes by E.B. White which I may still pick up in the future as an additional source of reference. Regardless, this book contains the core information of the Elements of Style regardless of later versions and is a short read for most as it is only 52 pages in length. At the size of 8.5" x 5.5" the book is thin enough to carry around everywhere or perfect to keep at your work desk. If you're interested in knowing what may or may not have changed over the years then consider one of the later editions. If you're looking for just a core reference guide that cuts out all the long winded text and provides examples of core style applications, consider this as a go-to resource.

Irony.I try to read Strunk & White's "The Elements of Style" every year. Since my copies are still sitting in a warehouse somewhere in New Jersey, I downloaded a copy to my Kindle just the other day. In doing so, I noticed that Dover publishes Strunk's first edition. It's available in paperback (not for the Kindle), but I was excited to order the physical copy for $4.95. Received the next day. On the back is the publisher's praise of the book which uses the word "utilizes". In the current 4th edition of Strunk and White, Chapter 4, page 55: "Why say utilize when there is the simple, unpretentious word use?" I guess the praise writer didn't read the current book. Sad. I'll scrape off the offending word with a knife blade. Do you think this scraping is going too far?

This is a very useful booklet for someone who knows how to write and knows how he wants to improve his writing by polishing his style. It requires a careful resding of the materials and applying them with good practice; rewards of which are very satisfying if you know what you are looking to improve. I have found the priciples very useful. I did't give a five star rating because I wanted more of the same good stuff and wasn't there.

This has been a standard in my bookshelf, actually on my bedside table, for many years. This new copy went to university with my grandson who is a freshman. I cannot say enough good things about this little book; neither can I tell you how many I have given to young (and older) students for use as they embark on high school or college writing. Strunk is the most concise and perfect help for writing that I have found.

I've had writing friends say that The Elements of Style is just too basic, too old-fashioned to be relied upon. As a writer who uses this book constantly, I say not so. Strunk offers up 52 pages of essential information for the writer in all of us. There are no endless pages of descriptions - just simple reminders of what we should already know and understand about how to present our writing effectively. This one has become one of my go-to guides for style points.

was not complete this version was missing stuff from earlier versions...but still got the message across

Yale University requires its students to read this book. I give it as a graduation present to anyone heading off to college and to new employees at our consulting business. It is essential reading for anyone who needs to communicate succinctly and clearly.

For all writers that want to get a crystal clear and quick look at any writing questions they may have, this book is a must have on your shelves. It's small, but detailed. It's clear with examples and straight to the point examples.Get this book!