Writing with Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing by John R. Trimble (10-Dec-2010) Paperback Paperback – 20 Dec. 2010

Good content that helps with the thinking process for academic papers. Unfortunately the print is tiny, making it a tiring read.Quotations, which are used extensively throughout the book, are in 8 or 9pt font. The main text is a little bigger, but not much. The publisher needs to take a course on modern typesetting; 11pt should be the minimum font size used for legibility.Publisher: add a few pages to this book and bump the font size by a couple of points. At £40 for a thin paperback surely there’s enough fat to cover the negligible costs.

Writing with style isn't easy--which is probably why I never manage to do it. But if I ever do come close to penning something stylistically imaginative, or creative, or whatever, it's probably in part to books like this. Like most good writers--I assume--I'm a perfectionist who's constantly refining and adapting my craft. I want to be the best possible writer, which means I try to soak in as much writing advice (including tips, tricks, titbits) as I can, using a variety of sources. I want to know it all. Everything.So although this might not be as comprehensive as other writing manuals on the market, or might not be the definitive guide to writing, it has enough decent advice to justify buying it. It's quick reading, easy to understand, and has some interesting insight in places. I've probably read better--not that many particular titles come to mind, other than Elements of Style--but it's still in the top ten I've read so far. It's not one for amateurs, however. It's a book for those who are already adept at their craft and want to hone it.But even if you just want to learn how to write a well-constructed letter, or an email, I'd recommend checking it out. Whatever skills you currently possess, the advice in this book will sharpen them.