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The Elements of Style (Recorded Books Edition)  By  cover art

The Elements of Style (Recorded Books Edition)

By: William Strunk Jr., E. B. White
Narrated by: Frank McCourt
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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)

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What listeners say about The Elements of Style (Recorded Books Edition)

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I liked the narrator

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I might have the edit a little cleaner (though, I spend a lot of time editing narration myself, so, this is a nit pick). It's a dry subject, treated with dry wit by the authors and delivered in a voice that reminded me of my grandfather, a retired judge. If anything, I'd have a higher quality audio file.

Did The Elements of Style (Recorded Books Edition) inspire you to do anything?

Mostly, so far, it's inspired me to be incredibly self conscious of what I've written here. :)

Any additional comments?

I read reviews that complained bout McCourt's narration. I heard some spots where breaths were poorly edited, but this is not McCourt's fault. I liked his narration. The way he announced each section title reminded me of my grandfather, I could see the look on his face and his finger in the air. It brought back a lot of a great memories, and was comfortable for me. I thought he did a great job at conveying William Strunk's dry wit.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A necessity for all writers. if you're a writer.

Loved it. if you're a writer, you must get this. trust me. it's worth it

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

The Elements of Style

Every writers knows this is a "must-read" book, but I found the narration a bit odd and distracting. But overall it was well done.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Read, ReRead & Read Again

Literally, Read, ReRead & Read Again is the opportunity and my practice with this classic informer.

With every fresh read, I either learn at a new depth or application possibility or with a clarifying a’ha!

It is my most valued and dependable Audible friend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Very Useful

Following it's own advice, The Elements of Style is written with clearness and brevity. Made up of both rules for your prose as well as the reasons to follow them. A very good listen, but also a reference to return to over and over.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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121 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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good technical advice

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

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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