The Deluxe Transitive Vampire: A Handbook of Grammar for the Innocent, the Eager and the Doomed

The vampire book is certainly different in its wit, elaborate examples and the associated drawings. The author has made a valiant effort to spice up the subject. This isn't exactly "(You) see Spot run."

A strength is Ms. Gordon's naming of the various forms, which is always nice to hear, distinguishing gerunds from participle phrases, and so on. Another is the sheer volume of examples that give more reason to slip in some more bizarre words.

What I found a bit lacking was crisp definition of some terms and rules. Some times the author was spot on when she decided to elaborate further, whereas with others the examples and a few introductory sentences didn't quite cover the subject. I wouldn't use this book as the last word in grammar disputes.

The first third or half drags compared to the second half, perhaps because of the need to get through the basics before the "good stuff". That reminds me: I never thought I'd see a grammar book with bare-breasted women.

I found "Woe is I" to be a better book for actual instruction. The two make an interesting pair.

3.5 stars

The subject of English grammar tends to conjure up vision of stern gray-haired teachers who look like they suck on lemons between classes. This book breaks the stereotype while achieving the almost impossible: making the acquisition of a firm grasp of grammatical conventions enjoyable.

Starting with the basic of the sentence and progressing through parts of speech, and the nuances of verbs and pronouns, the illustrations attract the reader's attentions and the offbeat and tongue-in-cheek examples keep it. Progressing through more complicated structures and finishing off with sentence construction, this is the most fun I have ever had while reviewing sound grammatical style.

The somewhat risqué nature of some of the pictures and content keep this book from being a staple in the average classroom, but its judicious use can pique the interest of even the most grammar-adverse student.


Personally, I would not allow any high school student to unrestricted access to this book because it would destroy the no-fun, sourpuss, and asexual image that English teachers have worked so hard and so long to create. Students actually wanting to read a grammar book would bring absolute chaos the mundane universe of language.

Karen Elizabeth Gordon, The Deluxe Transitive Vampire (Pantheon, 1993)

Gordon followed up The Well-Tempered Sentence with The Transitive Vampire, so it stood to reason that the tenth-anniversary revision of the first would would be followed by one for the second. And there's nothing terribly new here; once again, sticklers will find a few things to attack, while the rest of the world will be perfectly happy with everything represented here. If you liked the first one, you'll like the second. ***

Didn't care for the book. I don't think it's easy to follow or well organized.

This is my very favorite grammar reference book of all time. With Karen Gordon at the chalkboard, learning grammar does not have to be boring.