Guardian Style

If you have ever wondered why the writing in the Guardian is often so appalling, here is your answer. The irritating tone of this guide is snotty and pompous; embodying a kind of Guardian speak faux-piety poorly disguising smug complacency.

While it sounds dry and obvious to say that this is the guide to grammar and word usage for the newspaper The Guardian, that is what this is.

However, the result is far far more compelling and enjoyable than the description. This book is like a mad cross between the 'Grammar is important' ethos of Eats Shoots and Leaves and the random fun of Schott's Miscellany and is better than either.

While I could continue to describe the contents of the book, citing my favourite entries, whatever I say is going to sound boring. Trust me, if you enjoy language you will enjoy this book a lot (not alot).

I am a great fan of the Guardian newspaper and this style guide gives you the low-down on all the little ways to make your English perfect. It is easy to read and reference, and it is a bargain to boot. Never again use a capitial letter for something that is not a proper noun; use correct punctuation and become the office bore and guru in one fatal swipe. I was pretty hopless at English at school, but I use this guide everyday to check my work and feel pretty confident. I can spot errors in other people's letters and reports by using this guide. The new edition will be on my bookshelf the day it is published. If you want to correct your English and everyone elses then this is the book to do it. First class; buy it and patronise at your leisure.