The Elements of Style (Recorded Books Edition)

By: William Strunk Jr., E. B. White

Narrated by: Frank McCourt

Length: 4 hrs

Publisher's summary

The Elements of Style has long been a valued and beloved resource for all writers. Hailed for its directness and clever insight, this unorthodox textbook was born from a professor's love for the written word and perfected years later by one of his students: famed author E. B. White. Ever since its first publication in 1959, writers have turned to this book for its wise and accessible advice.

©1995 William Strunk (P)2007 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"The work remains a nonpareil: direct, correct, and delightful." ( The New Yorker)

Required Reading

If you think you know anything about the English language, you had better know this book backward and forward. It's every bit as wise and relevant today as it has ever been. I was somewhat curious as to whether this would come off as an audio book, because in my memory it was so intricately tied to the written word. Listening just broadened my respect for Strunk and White. This book is about language, by and for those who love and value it, in whatever form it takes.

I have enjoyed this program

Yes, I have enjoyed this program. It is nice to hear this classic text and performed by a gray writer. It is a pleasure.

good technical advice

I like the content but not the performance. he sounded like he was drunk.

Can Not Listen

The Frank McCourt performance made me shut off and try to come back twice. Time to read the book again. The selection of a great author to be the narrator was a big mistake. Sad this is not a good Audible selection.

McCourt Summons White in a Tight Classic

What made the experience of listening to The Elements of Style (Recorded Books Edition) the most enjoyable?

Frank McCourt's evocation of EB White before a lectern damning phrases that are to be avoided.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Elements of Style (Recorded Books Edition)?

Frank McCourt's grisseled and passionate reading.

What does Frank McCourt bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The text leaps off the page as McCourt fires out headings such as: "Omit UNNECESSARY Words!!!"

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did laugh with enjoyment at McCourt's brilliant delivery.

Any additional comments?

EoS is a very helpful book.

Fabulous and the only way to truly understand

Frank McCourt is fantastic as a narrator. I never understood all the concepts in this book until I heard it as an audio book. It made a great difference to my writing and critical thinking about grammar. I've listened to it twice and listen anytime I need a refresher.

Full of valuable advice and entertaining

The advice is great, but it is also hilarious the way the authors eviscerate some of the bad writing examples.

You really have to see this one...

I've always used this book as a writer, but you have to hold it in your hand and look at the construction for it to be really useful. You can soak up some general rules. And if you're a geek like I am, you can use it for relaxation, but Grammar Girl translates better to audio.

Packed w/Info

This compact book cut out the fluff. It's a wonderful resource with a lot of information useful to writers of any genre, including business writers. The presentation is wonderful. I do have one little criticism, which is the reason for the 4-star rating instead of 5. The original book was published in 1935. Even though new editions have been printed, some of the information seems to be a bit outdated. I see this book as a tremendous tool for writers, despite my one minor criticism.

Better As A Book

This is still a strong reference book, but you really need to have it in your hands. There really is no need to have a recording of this book, unless you are visually impaired. Reference books are best used in text format.