The Elements of Style: The Original Edition

By William Strunk Jr.

“The Elements of Style”, was first written by William Strunk in 1918 for private use at Cornell University, where Strunk was a professor of English, and republished by Harcourt in 1920 for the public. The concise handbook remains one of the most important and influential English writing style guides ever published. The original edition of the guide is organized into eight elementary rules of usage (such as using the active voice rather than the passive), ten elementary rules of composition (including the rule of omitting needless words), several matters of form, 49 commonly misused words and expressions, and 57 words often misspelled. The result is an efficient and pragmatic guide to help produce writing that is clear and understandable, in which every word is important. In 1957 while at “The New Yorker” writer E. B. White, who had studied under Strunk, called the guide “a forty-three-page summation of the case for cleanliness, accuracy, and brevity in the use of English.” “The Elements of Style” remains an effective and helpful guide for anyone who wishes to write with greater order, simplicity, and sincerity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Digireads.com Publishing
• Release date: Sep 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781420963656

William Strunk Jr.

William Strunk, Jr. (1869-1946) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the eldest of William and Ella Garretson Strunk's four children. Strunk excelled in school, eventually earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati and a PhD at Cornell University. He then attended the Sorbonne and the Collège de France from 1898-99 where he studied morphology and philology. Strunk began his academic career teaching mathematics at Rose Polytechnical Institute in Terre Haute, Indiana from 1890-91, then returned to Cornell and taught English there for 46 years. In 1922 he published English Metres, a study of poetic metrical form, and began writing he critical editions of various classical works. Strunk joined a literary group called the Manuscript Club which held Saturday night meetings to discuss writing and literature. There, Strunk met and became friends with a young aspiring writer, Elwyn Brooks ("E.B.") White. In 1918, Strunk published The Elements of Style, but originally only intended it to be used by his Cornell students, who nicknamed it "the little book." In 1935, Strunk and Edward A. Tenney revised the manuscript and re-published the guide for wider distribution as The Elements and Practice of Composition. Years later, after Strunk had passed away, E.B. White - now working at the New Yorker - praised the "little book" in his column, calling it a "forty-three-page summation of the case for cleanliness, accuracy, and brevity in the use of English." As a result of the new attention White's praise generated for Strunk's manuscript, Macmillan and Company commissioned White to revise the 1935 edition for republication. The resulting book became an immediate hit. Since The Elements of Style (now credited to both Strunk and White) was originally republished in 1959, sales of the book - and subsequent editions - has exceeded ten million copies and the book is often referred to simply as "Strunk and White." William Strunk retired from Cornell in 1937 and in 1945 he suffered a mental breakdown, diagnosed as "senile psychosis." He died less than a year later at the Hudson River Psychiatric Institute in Poughkeepsie, New York.

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THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE

THE ORIGINAL EDITION

By WILLIAM STRUNK JR.

The Elements of Style: The Original Edition

By William Strunk Jr.

Print ISBN 13: 978-1-4209-6364-9

eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-4209-6365-6

This edition copyright © 2019. Digireads.com Publishing.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Cover Image: a detail of Retro typewriter on wooden desk. Vintage typing machine on retro wooden background, copy space., by Popartic / Shutterstock Images.

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CONTENTS

I. Introductory

II. Elementary Rules of Usage

III. Elementary Principles of Composition

IV. A Few Matters of Form

V. Words and Expressions Commonly Misused

VI. Words Commonly Misspelled

I. Introductory

This book is intended for use in English courses in which the practice of composition is combined with the study of literature. It aims to give in a brief space the principal requirements of plain English style. It aims to lighten the task of instructor and student by concentrating attention (in Chapters II and III) on a few essentials, the rules of usage and principles of composition most commonly violated. The numbers of the sections may be used as references in correcting manuscript.

The book covers only a small portion of the field of English style, but the experience of its writer has been that once past the essentials, students profit most by individual instruction based on the problems of their own work, and that each instructor has his own body of theory, which he prefers to that offered by any textbook.

The writer’s colleagues in the Department of English in Cornell University have greatly helped him in the preparation of his manuscript. Mr. George McLane Wood has kindly consented to the inclusion under Rule 11 of some material from his Suggestions to Authors.

The following books are recommended for reference or further study: in connection with Chapters II and IV: F. Howard Collins, Author and Printer (Henry Frowde); Chicago University Press, Manual of Style; T. L. De Vinne Correct Composition (The Century Company); Horace Hart, Rules for Compositors and Printers (Oxford University Press); George McLane Wood, Extracts from the Style-Book of the Government Printing Office (United States Geological Survey); In connection with Chapters III and V: Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, The Art of Writing (Putnams), especially the chapter, Interlude on Jargon; George McLane Wood, Suggestions to Authors (United States Geological Survey); John Leslie Hall, English Usage (Scott, Foresman and Co.); James P. Kelly, Workmanship in Words (Little, Brown and Co.).

It is an old observation that the best writers sometimes disregard the rules of rhetoric. When they do so, however, the reader will usually find in the sentence some compensating merit, attained at the cost of the violation. Unless he is certain of doing as well,

Reviews for The Elements of Style

[scottcholstad · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A virtual necessity yet considering its age, a wonder that it’s still relevant. A legend for a reason and an essential foundational work.

[emanate28 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like the concise points and don't understand what the controversy is about the book; his points make sense to me and seem valid, especially for student writers.

[deckla_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is the original 1918 version, not the expansion with E.B. White's wit. Evidently, Strunk AND White is not available in a digital edition; only Strunk, because he's out of copyright. The one with Maira Kalman's illustrations is also not available in digital form.

[trile1000 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A short, concise, and practical reference for those who want to improve their writing skills.

[erisprincipia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

To seem effortless in one's writing, practice and attention to detail make for perfection.

[lndlindsey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of two books I keep in my laptop case. Not exhaustive, but very handy.

[tatoosh-3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It has been years since I first looked at an earlier version of Elements of Style, but my intention to review Elements again finally resulted in action. The 4th edition contains the rules on usage, principles of composition, notes on manuscript form, and list of commonly misused words and expression that earlier readers will expect. White has added a new chapter to this edition detailing his approach to style.While much of the material is applicable today’s, some of it is dated. Most troublesome is the coverage of words and expressions. Perceptive writers will recognize those admonitions that have become outdated but less experienced readers may be led astray. Elements is an easy read with 85 pages of text and a seven-page glossary. There is far too much detail to memorize but a periodic review will be beneficial to most writers. That preparation will be sufficient to allow most readers to use the text as a handy reference book.

[howifeelaboutbooks · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I'm one of those English majors who threw around "Strunk and White" knowingly, but had never read the book. So I decided to remedy that just a few years after graduation. As an English major, I think most of the knowledge in this book is things we learned in class, and therefore seems common sense to us. There is some interesting advice, but the rules I was the most unclear about were actually the ones that didn't have detailed explanations accompanying them, so that turned me off.

[rajivc_18 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am surprised that anyone would give this book a one-star rating, and yet some people have done that. I have no arguments with them, as we each have our own view of the books we read.For me, this is a brilliant book. I did not think that it would take me ten days to read 97 pages, but it did. The writing style is simple, and not a word is wasted. It was well worth the time I took to read the book carefully. The rules have been laid out in a simple manner, and the examples are clear. I like this book so much, that I ordered two paperback copies, one for my son and one for me. It is good to have this book as a handy reference. Prof Strunk seems to have been a man of exceptional clarity of thought, and this is reflected in the manner in which he has laid out the book, and given the examples. Mr White's section is a very useful addition. It adds to the value of the book. It is an essential guide to any aspiring writer.

[kasthu_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style, is a short, concise guide to effective writing. This short guide covers everything from basic grammatical usage to composition, but it is more than just a guide to good writing. The book is filled with provocative axioms to keep in mind while writing. Because writing is a form of communication, a hallmark of it is to be succinct.There is an overwhelming emphasis in this guide on clear, concise writing. “When a sentence is made stronger, it usually becomes shorter. Thus, brevity is a by-product of vigor.” (p. 19). The best-known writers—Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare are mentioned—grab the reader’s attention by being “specific, definite, and concrete” and use words to create pictures (p. 21) in order to create impactful writing. It is always important to use the active voice in writing and to avoid conditionals such as should, could, and would, in order to prevent a piece of writing from sounding as though it lacks authority. The authors therefore recommend rewriting and revising and to “ruthlessly delete the excesses” (p. 72).Composition is a major element in creating clear, readable writing. To be effective, writing must be organized and follow a specific plan—although that plan may not always follow the order of a writer’s thought process. However, it forces the writer to think; “the act of composition, or creation, disciplines the mind” (p. 70).In the course of their writing, writers end up revealing something about themselves and their identity, and this is what makes good writing stand out. A writer develops their style through practice and patience. EB White suggests that the writer first place themselves in the background, so that a sense of style can be achieved by first having none. “Style is the writer, and therefore what you are, rather than what you know, will at last determine your style” (p. 84).Although the authors are very definite in their opinions, they present them with humor in some places, preventing this book from becoming too pedantic. It is also important to consider that this guide is not the last word in what is “correct” writing or style; “the shape of our language is not rigid” (p. 39) and that “there is no satisfactory explanation of style, no infallible guide to good writing, no assurance that a person who thinks clearly will be able to write clearly, no key that unlocks the door, no inflexible rule by which writers may shape their course” (p. 66). However, The Elements of Style is an invaluable guide that gives a reader advice on how to think about their writing, how to write clear and concise prose, and how to achieve a unique sense of style.

[wktarin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent, if a bit stodgy at moments.

[tcwriter · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic I first read in college -- one that has informed my work ever since. Its embrace of brevity is admirable, and in the age of the Internet, more relevant than ever.

[ymusmani0 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Best book on writing I have read so far! concise and easy to understand...

[brikis98 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A fairly boring read - the book is just a long list of grammar and style suggestions - but a decent reference to check every now and then. That said, if you already know what to look for, a google search is likely more effective. Therefore, a quick read through of this sort of book may be useful to know what questions to ask.

[abeckert23 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Really a wonderful guide. It's not just a guide, though! I actually read it front to back and the voice of these men blends and instructs with sharp wit and dry humor. There are one-liners here on writing that are priceless!

[trilliams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A bit intense on grammar vocabulary, but beyond that, an invaluable handbook.

[mathewbridle · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not as good as blurb suggests.

[chris_el-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So I read this about 5 or 6 times and then CLEP'ed English comp 1. Great book that simply explains the things you need to know to communicate well in writing. :)

[lynleys-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This may have been the first book I read on style. I read it from cover to cover and I'm sure it helped me get through essays.

[philsyphe · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I first read this before starting a creative writing & English course at university in 2009 and read it again at the end of my degree when I decided to become a proofreader (& later a copy-editor too).Some criticize this for being dated. In some respects it is. For example, one instruction is to write "some one" not "someone". This confused me at first, but further study of English style from more modern sources helped me define what rules were out of date in this book.Thus, my final verdict is that this is a good investment - even Stephen King has used it and recommends that all aspiring authors invest in a copy. A good story written with bad style is not really a good story after all.Amongst other things, this book guides you with writing well-structured sentences, advises how and when to use punctuation, and lists certain words that should be avoided for the sake of good form.The first time I read this I found it hard going, but it appeared much more straightforward upon a second reading. Bearing this in mind, a more modern book on style may be a better first choice for someone wanting to improve their form, but once they learn the basics then reading this should be worth their while.

[wishanem · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read more criticism than support of "The Elements of Style", and most of the complaints are valid. Regardless of its faults it should not be ignored or forgotten. While not always technically correct its advice is brief, direct, and positive. Don't take it too seriously and it can't hurt you.

If you write, read it.

[kvhardy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I got this book over a year ago, and refer to it again and again. And again. While not a thick book, this book is essential in being able to write properly, even if you just want to write an email. And one of the best things about it (to me), is its explantions on commas and apostrophes, and all those nebulous areas of grammar.

[locriian · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Great book, however I disagree with their opposition to the use of singular "they".

[authorraezryans · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a must to read if not to own and reference. The updated version gives further insight and explanation, but overall the information remains valid for writers in the modern day. I refer to this when needed or when instructing writing.

[datrappert · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is still the best short guide to English grammar and usage, although you could argue with a few points.

[lee_ann-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Always good to recap occasionally and give this a reread.

[caitlin.la.folle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Indispensable.

[cdiemert-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This style manual offers practical advice on improving writing skills. Throughout, the emphasis is on promoting a plain English style. This little book can help you communicate more effectively by showing you how to enliven your sentences.

[murdocke23 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

 From a writer as an ode to his late teacher, it's a great pocket book reference/words of wisdom for writing in any medium. Does what it sets out to do—clearly—and that's about it.

[jimmaclachlan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Everyone thinks of this as a book for writers, but today, most of us are. We write to communicate through email, memos & letters. Everyone can benefit by reading this book. It looks quite short & slim, but that is deceiving, like Kern & Ritchie's book on C. They fit a LOT into a small package & it takes practice & referral to get the basics down.