Wrtten as a complement to strunk and whites classic the elements of style, william zinssers on writing well is a helpful reference guide on how to write about a wide variety of topics, from business and technology to sports and the arts. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. I will approach the element of simplicity in three ways. Since its first printing in 1976, the book has sold 1. A worthwhile book for any writer or aspiring writer, its advice is most helpful to those who are starting their careers or avocations in writing. William zinsser in his essay, simplicity, describes the tendency people have to inflate their own words. On writing well was first published in 1976 and has sold almost 1. The transaction summary on the first chapter of on writing well by william zinsser, it talks how the author himself and dr. On writing well, which grew out of a course that william zinsser taught at yale, has.
Analysis on william zinssers simplicity reading jmann3. Excerpts from on writing well william zinsser new york, harper, 1998, chapters 2 through 4 2. On writing well is a craft book, and its principles havent changed since it was written 30 years ago. In on writing well the classic guide to nonfiction, william zinsser writes an. On writing well writing with a word processor willie and dwike republished as mitchell and ruff writing to learn spring training american places speaking of journalism easy to remember audio books by william zinsser on writing well how to write a memoir books edited by william zinsser extraordinary lives. Evan thomas, newsweek in writing places, william zinsserthe author of on writing well, the bestseller that has inspired two generations of writers, journalists, and studentsrecalls the many. This onepage guide includes a plot summary and brief analysis of on writing well by william zinsser. William knowlton zinsser october 7, 1922 may 12, 2015 was an american writer, editor, literary critic, and teacher. On writing well the classic guide to writing nonfiction. We are a society strangling in unnecessary words, circular constructions, pompous frills and meaningless jargon.
Where dreyers english and the elements of style focus on grammar and words, on writing well goes deeper and covers specific genres, composition, interviewing, and more if i had to recommend one book on how to write nonfiction well, this would be it. It is a book for everybody who wants to learn how to write or who needs to do some writing. On writing well by william zinsser ive used writing to give myself an interesting life and a continuing educationlearning is a tonic. Out of it come two of the most important qualities that this book will go in search of. A majority of us think that something is missing if a word or sentence is too simple causing us to add unnecessary information only to confuse our readers. Keep in mind next time you write and the quality of your output will be greatly improved. It is a book for anybody who wants to learn how to write or who needs to do some writing to get through the day, as almost everybody does. Both are great, but of the two, zinssers book is the more enjoyable read. This book focuses on specific techniques aimed at improving nonfiction writing. Writing is an act of ego, and you might as well admit it.
An informal guide to writing nonfiction by william zinsser 2012, 30th anniversary edition is one of the best and most practical books on the subject of writing. Zinsser see this amazon canada link below for the book. The result is lively, funny and moving, especially for anyone who cares about art and the business of writing well. Zinsser shows us examples of this in everyday life such as a simple letter, or a brochure by an insurance company, where the. On writing well by william zinsser is an excellent book for anybody who wants to learn how to write, whether about people or places, science and technology, business, sports, or about yourself heres some of the best advice from the book. In writing places, william zinsserthe author of on writing well, the bestseller that has inspired two generations of writers, journalists, and studentsrecalls the many colorful and instructive places where he has worked and taught. William zinsser offers sound advice, including how to eliminate clutter and ways to. Zinsser was an inspiration to writers and aspiring writers, including myself, since he first published his manual in 1976. Both writers have completely different mindsets of what writing is to them and how it is on their lives.
Read by zinsser with warmth, humor, and encouragement, on writing well shows how to apply the authors four principles of writing. Who can understand the viscous language of everyday american commerce and. Simplicity clutter is the disease of american writing. This expanded audio collection presents william zinssers on writing well, the classic teaching book that has sold more than 1 million copies, together with a new 90minute section that tells you how to write a memoir. What william zinsser taught us about visualizing data well. He starts with an overview of the writing craft and moves into specific nonfiction writing forms. Zinssers simplicity zinssers essay on simplicity is an example of good writing for many reasons. Whether you write an occasional professional letter or a daily newspaper column, william zinssers on writing well should be required reading.
Supersummary, a modern alternative to sparknotes and cliffsnotes, offers highquality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. The writer should eliminate clutter good writing is lean. Throughout the essay he not only tells us why this is a problem, but he shows us through many detailed examples. The book wraps up with the important attitudes that good writers develop. On writing well is a craft book, and its principles havent changed since it. William zinssers on writing well was a healthy dose of affirmation and my desire, as i write my novel, is to write with simple, clear, effective prose. Chapter 2 simplicity on writing well william zinsser buy the book at. On writing well is a book so brimming with wisdom that reading it feels like youre clutching a living brain.
Article pdf available september 1998 with 12,281 reads how we measure reads. He began his career as a journalist for the new york herald tribune, where he worked as a feature writer, drama editor, film critic and editorial writer. The classic guide to writing nonficton, died last week at age 92. This book focuses on specific techniques aimed at improving. Which whether your medium is books, articles, reports, emails, messages, or status updates makes on writing well a book for us all but it isnt william zinssers 70 years of journalism.
We are a society strangling in unnecessary words, circular constructions, pompous frills and meaningless jargon zinsser 129. His books include pop goes america 1966, the lunacy boom1970, on writing well 1980, and writing with a word processor1983. Zinsser stressed simplicity and efficiency, but also style and enthusiasm. The classic guide to writing nonfiction by william. Zinssers book on writing well provides both a comprehensive guide to writing nonfiction and a useful writers reference. On writing well by william zinsser william zinsser is a renowned journalist and a professor at both yale and columbia. William zinsser illustrates the importance of simplicity that one should keep in mind while writing an essay. On writing well has been praised for its sound advice, its clari. An ingeniously constructed teaching memoir from the author of the bestselling on writing well you learn without knowing it. He states that clutter is the main reason and the number one problem why. Based on a course william zinsser taught at yale and his long experience as a writer, editor and teacher, on writing well has been praised by journalists, teachers, writers, students, and grateful users since its publication in 1976. The 92yearold left behind one of the classics of writing instruction manuals as his legacy, on writing well.
On writing well, which grew out of a course that william zinsser taught at yale, has been praised for its sound advice, its clarity, and for the warmth of its style. Zinsser to the point where my work becomes completely dull and dry. Unfortunately, i have followed the instructions by mr. The essay was written so that anyone who reads it could. I once told a friend that i try to write lightly and cleanly, expressing the things i want to say in few and pastelcolored words, but i do try to move the reader as well, and add in little. American author william zinssers on writing well 1976, is a popular. If i had to recommend one book on how to write nonfiction well, this would be. The classic guide to writing nonfiction, zinsser explains how simplicity, unity, the lead and end, and rewriting are crucial components to. William zinsser one of my goals for 2016 was to become a better nonfiction writer. Why william zinssers writing book is still number one. Not long ago i purchased yet another edition of on writing well.
Frank mccourt, author of angelas ashes written with elegance, warmth, and humor, this highly original teaching memoir by william zinsserrenowned bestselling author of on writing well gives you the tools to organize and recover your past, and the confidence to. The writing should use words that are surprising, strong, and precise in their meaning. This is writing, about writing, for writers, by a captain of the craft. William zinsser, a writer, editor and teacher whose book on writing well sold more than 1. William zinsser was a lifelong journalist and nonfiction writerhe began his career on the new york herald tribune in 1946and was also a teacher, best known for his book on writing well, a companion held in affection by three generations of writers, reporters, editors, teachers and students. I dont know what still newer marvels will make writing. Author william zinsser died at his manhattan home on tuesday, may 12, 2015. Why william zinssers writing book is still number one poynter.