As you'd expect, the writing is
clear and logical throughout and the book is also well organized. The chapters in the first half
focus on general issues -- "Simplicity", "Clutter", "The Lead and The Ending". The second half
focusses on writing within specific fields -- Science and Technology, Business (a *wonderful*
chapter everyone should read), The Arts, and so on.

What I most appreciated about Zinsser's
approach is that he does not aim for the lowest common denominator in his target audience, and
assumes the reader knows how to write correct English. I know people have been critical of Zinsser's
approach and his apparent political bent (keep in mind this was first written on the heels of the
Watergate scandal -- this 25th anniversary edition is more up to date). But any of these critics,
regardless of their views, would be doing well to express themselves as clearly as Zinsser does, and
that is exactly the point of this book.

My only disappointment
arises with the scientific and technical writing chapter. Scientists often have trouble
communicating with the layperson; Zinsser addresses that aspect of writing well. However, he
doesn't directly address the scientist who needs to write a technical report or journal paper. Of
course, the general principles he espouses are helpful. But I was disappointed.

Zinsser calls "clutter" the disease of American writing. He says the
secret to good writing is to strip every sentence to its cleanest components. Clutter is the
laborious phrase that has pushed out the short word that means the same thing.

I like his quote,
"Few people realize how bad they write." On style, he tells us that you don't just try to add style.
It comes with practice; that trying to add style is like adding a toupee. Be yourself, it will
come."

The author's style is very pure, he is honest, he has wit, humor and a knowledge of the
art of writing. The book is sectioned in three parts:

Part I is Principles and it covers basics
such as clutter, style, the audience, words, usage.

Part II is Methods, which discusses unity,
the ever important lead and ending and hodge podge of info called Bits and Pieces which delves into
punctuation, rewrites, trusting your material, etc.

Part III deals with Writing about People -
the interview; writing about places - Travel Article; Writing About Yourself - the Memoir, business
writing, and writing about the Arts - Critics and Columnists, and writing with humor.

Part IV is
about Attitudes - The Sound of Your Voice and how to craft a casual effect in writing. He says
inexperienced writers miss the point trying to be "just folks." Great book...MzRizz