On Writing Well : An Informal Guide to Writing Nonfiction 4th Edition

New York, NY, U.S.A.: HarperPerennial, 1990. Hard Cover. Fine/Near Fine. Fourth Edition. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Whether you write an occasional professional letter or a daily newspaper column, William Zinsser's On Writing Well should be required reading. Simplicity is Zinsser's mantra: he preaches a stripped-down writing style, strong and clear. He has no patience for excess (most use of adjectives and adverbs, he writes, just adds clutter). He recommends that all writers of nonfiction read their work aloud and write under the assumption that "the reader knows nothing" (not to be confused with assuming the reader's an idiot). In addition to the chapters on the expected--usage, audience, interviews, leads--Zinsser also focuses on such trouble spots as science and technical writing, business writing, sports, and humor. On Writing Well shows how to apply the author's four principles of writing: Clarity; Simplicity; Brevity; and Humanity. He stresses the importance of reading your writing aloud to hear how it sounds and illustrates the difference between good and bad nouns, and good and bad verbs. 288 pages. Bottom of spine is bumped on book and dust kacket. Rear cover of dust jacket has a few red smudges near the top..