This remarkable little book, intended as a supplement for any course that requires writing, models a clear, step-by-step system for creating straight-forward, concise, intelligible and readable prose. Lanham argues that the bad writing that seems inescapable in college classrooms as well as public communication today results from our attempts to imitate what he calls Official Style-the almost incomprehensible language laden with passive voice, prepositions, impersonal pronouns, and jargon born of the bureaucracy. ...
Read More
This remarkable little book, intended as a supplement for any course that requires writing, models a clear, step-by-step system for creating straight-forward, concise, intelligible and readable prose. Lanham argues that the bad writing that seems inescapable in college classrooms as well as public communication today results from our attempts to imitate what he calls Official Style-the almost incomprehensible language laden with passive voice, prepositions, impersonal pronouns, and jargon born of the bureaucracy. This brief guide shows writers how to "translate" Official Style into plain, understandable English through the application of a series of simple rules. With wit and clarity, Lanham shows writers how to slice away as much as two-thirds of the excess verbiage with which they too often burden their sentences. Everyone who is willing to listen will come away from this book a better writer.
Read Less
Add this copy of Revising Prose to cart. $3.28, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1979 by Scribner Book Company.
Add this copy of Revising Prose to cart. $3.28, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1979 by Scribner Book Company.
Add this copy of Revising Prose (Scribner English Series) to cart. $5.68, good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1979 by Scribner Book Company.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains.
Add this copy of Revising Prose to cart. $35.41, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1979 by Charles Scribner's Sons.
Add this copy of Revising Prose to cart. $185.00, like new condition, Sold by 2VBooks rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Derwood, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1979 by Scribner Book Company.
Then get Richard Lanham's book, Revising Prose. Incredibly enough, he has created a VERY simple method, which, if followed, will turn extremely lousy, wandering sentences into very clear sentences. You do not need any special background or English courses to get started, just a desire to QUICKLY improve your writing and thinking. I first encountered Revising Prose 22 years ago in a college writing course, and Mr. Lanham has improved it continuously since then. More helpful than any other book I have used, and very quick reading, ( no grammatical jargon), Prof. Lanham's book is a genuine public service. If you have struggled to write clear sentences, please get this book, today. It will open your eyes!
