Buckley: The Right Word (Harvest Book)

We need more brain stimulators like this book. I understand they rarely make the bestseller lists.

This book includes many examples of Buckley's writing. It is most definitely not `The complete book of the uses and abuses of the English language...' as claimed on the front cover. It leans heavily towards Buckley's correspondence, reviews, interviews, and even eulogies. The lexicon consists of a series of lists of words used by WFB. It would have made more sense to provide a single alphabetized list instead of this `informal compendium'. To be fair to WFB, the book was not compiled by him. Read in small doses to avoid pomposity overload.

Buckley: The Right Word by or rather selected, assembled and edited by Samuel S. Vaughan drawn from the works of William F. Buckley, Jr. is a book quite unique in its own right.

It is composed of letters and excerpts of interviews, reviews, columns, and appreciations. As the title suggests, it is a book about words as seen by Buckley and especially on the right word. Buckley is noted for his provocative and rather expansive vocabulary and this book is no disappointment. Also, grammer is well represented. I found this book to interestingly entertaining with a modicum of dry humor and wit.

If you like to be entertained by the right word or phrase, this is the book for you. I especially liked the correspondence.

When I first became an avid reader of Mr. Buckley's work I was amazed at how often his use of words was attacked. I wondered whether a new crime bill had been passed that outlawed a person being articulate. Why should someone who joyfully uses language be pilloried for doing so? Even commercial reviewers feel the need to go to their thesaurus, trot out words that they have never used before and look foolish. They become guilty of the offense of affectation that so often is the charge against Mr. Buckley.

This collection of writing, and with it the discussion of language is many things, at no point is it not worthy of the reader's time. For all on Amazon who write their thoughts about a book, there is a section on reviewing that is priceless. The correspondence that is shared between his readers and Mr. Buckley set the standard for wit.

What is the alternative his detractors seek? Perhaps one of those books "English For Dummies?" I suppose a minimal number of words, subsidized with hand signals and grunts would please some. I choose to adhere to Mr. Buckley's love of language, even though when he is the writer I am often reduced to flipping through a dictionary. So what! The decriminalization of learning was passed long ago. Freedom of speech includes the right to expand your vocabulary in the pursuit of your happiness. To the extent others are bothered, again, so what? Apathy may have become a national pastime, but it is not required.

This book was carefully titled. I don't mean to shock his detractors but Mr. Buckley is a Conservative, so "right" was the only alternative for the title. Correct, appropriate, acceptable, could never do for this master of language. He uses a word because it works, because his choice enhances the reading and listening experience.

Grab a dictionary, expand your lexicon, the pain is minimal.

This book by William F. Buckley is a greatly entertaining piece to those who enjoy the trivial points of the English Language. It explores all areas of the language, such as diction, speaking style and the most common abuses of our language. My favorite part of the book is Buckley's series of letters from some of his readers. These letters provide insight to the personality of Buckley and also show his unforgiving grasp of the English language.