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On Writing Well
 
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On Writing Well (Paperback)

by William Zinsser (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Paperback: 308 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins; 6 edition (15 April 1998)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0062735233
  • ISBN-13: 978-0062735232
  • Product Dimensions: 19.8 x 13.5 x 2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 115,836 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories:

    #16 in  Books > Reference > Writing > Nonfiction
    #75 in  Books > Business, Finance & Law > Management > Management Skills > Communication & Presentation > Writing Guides

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Product Description

Synopsis
Warns against common errors in structure, style, and diction, and explains the fundamentals of conducting interviews and writing travel, scientific, sports, critical, and humorous articles.

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Customer Reviews

4 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.5 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The Best. Learn not to waste words., 13 Nov 2003
This review is from: On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-Fiction (Paperback)
I have bought a dozen copies of this over the years and distributed them to friends and colleagues. This is the most sensible and sound advice on writing well I have seen. It helps you clarify what you wish to say, and dispels the myths of inpenetrable "business"-speak and the "bank-teller mentality" superbly. It has clear examples and is an enjoyable read. After you have read this you will realise finally that you can delete up to 50% of the words you use in a first draft and make it 200% better!
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49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Eagerly awaiting the next edition., 23 Mar 2005
By A Customer
This review is from: On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-Fiction (Paperback)
I approached Zinsser's book "On Writing Well" for its good reviews, and thus spent money and time on it. My opinion is that Zinsser went off topic; he exercised self-indulgence, lost sight of the topic, and delivered an auto-biography. I learned more about the author's life than his art of writing. The book is also a marketing operation; the main-matter includes extensive references to other works by the same author and his present business, so much that I felt an invitation to read those works and enroll in a class at the author's "New School" in New York, to learn what the book was supposed to deliver on paper! This is not supposed to happen, and I resent it. --- I read the book twice. The first time, to understand that much of it is needless. The second time, to spot the words of wisdom that are scattered in its 300 pages, take notes, and put the book away in my personal library. My reference book on the subject remains Strunk's "Elements of Style". By comparison, Strunk's work stays on my desk. I share Zinsser's own opinion that anyone serious about writing should read Strunk every year. I would say, read it so often to memorize it. I wish Zinsser's work were along the lines of Strunk's own, to complement it.
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48 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A veritable treasure trove of ideas and guidance on writing., 16 Dec 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-Fiction (Paperback)
Whether you write for fun or work, this book delivers what is promised by the title. The article which had the biggest impact on me was the example of a draft essay and the way in which the writer pares away the driftwood (unlike this review) until the article is succinct and unambiguous; making it a pleasure to read. Enjoy and learn at the same time.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Serves my writing well
Zinsser's book, first published in the 70s, is part how-to, part autobiography and part travelogue. I say travelogue because he writes by telling us about the landmarks in 'good... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr. SD Halliday

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