On Writing Well, 25th Anniversary : The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (On Writing Well)

I like to call this The New Classic for Writing Style. It's clear, concise, sound advice for the non-fiction writer. Keep it simple; a book for anyone that writes. As an editor, I not only recommend it to all my authors (so I don't have to do as much work), but I consider it one of my valued resources.
Karen Reddick, author of Grammar Done Right!

If only I had Mr. Zinsser as a college professor, I might not have found the higher educational experience so dull and fruitless. Reading this book is like learning by osmosis, painless and very rewarding. What did I learn? I'm not sure. His teaching is so subtle that the instruction is almost subliminally absorbed. I'm sure I'll be using what Professor Zinsser taught me without even realizing it. And there are extra bonuses, too. Like dozens of terrific writing examples from such luminaries as E.B. White, H.L. Menken, James Baldwin, Will Bradbury, Robert Benchley, Garrison Keillor, and the author himself. And there are six pages of sources, so you can track these excerpts down and read them in their entirety. So much to read; so little time. Mr. Zinsser focuses on how to develop your voice/style, the importance of humor and simplicity. He discusses the various forms of non-fiction writing: travel articles, memoirs, sports, cultural reviews, science and technology, and biography. This is one class you won't be dozing off in. "I think a sentence is a fine thing to put a preposition at the end of." (Page 41)

On day 1 of my first university English Class, I met a book called The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White. A slim volume, first published in 1917 it has prevented me from making many serious grammar and style errors. Zinsser first wrote his book in '76, just after I stopped taking English classes. This is a book I wish I had met sooner. It is superb. He covers many different styles of non fiction including travel, memoirs, sport and family history. His major lessons for me was how to find your own voice and that the writing is for yourself, no other. Very freeing book.

This book was recommended in a video about promoting ones self for a small business. I think the book is an easy read and is really fun to read. I have a way to go still, but I can tell my writing has already improved.

The very best for writing non-fiction! Great for people who don't know whether they are good writers or not. Great for people who need to improve their writing!!!