Sunday 29 May 2016

92. The Glamour of Grammar: A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English by Roy Peter Clark


BOOK REVIEW: The Glamour of Grammar – A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English by Roy Peter Clark

Early in the history of English, ‘glamour’ and ‘grammar’ were the same word, linked to enchantment and magical spells. Now ‘grammar’ brings to mind language bullies and bored-out-of-their-skulls students.

Roy Peter Clark, one of America’s most influential writing teachers, wants to change that by putting the glamour back into grammar.

Whether you are composing a novel, a memo, an e-mail, or a blog post, you can immediately apply any of the lessons Clark lays out in 50 short chapters.

Covering everything from the parts of speech to why effective writers prefer concrete nouns and active verbs, Clark teaches you how to use commas, periods, and semicolons to their fullest advantage; befriend the lively verb ‘to be’; avoid “hypergrammar”;properly place those tricky modifiers; and harness other secrets of powerful prose.

Above all, he teaches you how to master grammar to perfect you use of English, to hone meaning, and to charm through your writing.


In a world where we communicate more and more through e-mails and text messages, how you use language matters – even in 140 characters. This book prepares you to captivate with every word.

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