I was a journalism student in college and had the book “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk and E.B. White tethered to my wrist most of the time. That is a bit of an exaggeration. But, it was THE book that you needed to read, read again, and again. It is a book that teaches punctuation and grammatical style.
It was affectionately called “the little” book. It was grey, not illustrated and thrilling in a weird way. I love the incisiveness of it. Independent clauses and syllabications seem so carefree and easily mastered when described by the authors.
It has been re-published with whimsical illustrations by Maria Kalman.
When I saw the new edition of the book at the bookstore it was like seeing an old friend at the reveal on “Extreme Makeover.” I knew the title, the authors, but it looked stunning in its new incarnation.
Disclaimer: In no way would I proclaim myself a stellar punctuation student. I am sure Strunk and While would be horrified by most Internet punctuation, my blog specifically. (Please feel free to use comments to correct or ridicule me. My journalism teachers sure did.)
Annie says
I think you have wonderful grammar and punctuation.
I have that book too. I adore the illustrations. They are so deceptively simple.
lisa says
alright e.m.! i found your blog because you list my blog 🙂 and i’m dee, dee, dee, reading all your posts and AAACK! have to write, right this second because of maira my adored idol!!!!
what a fun spot you have here, i so glad i found you!
lisam!!!