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Book Description

Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…

Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.

Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle–one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.

Will the king’s dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .


Praise for Eragon:
“Unusual, powerful . . . fresh and fluid. An impressive start to a writing career that’s sure to flourish.” –Booklist, Starred
“Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.” –People
“The new ‘It’ book of children’s lit.” –U.S. News & World Report
“An auspicious beginning to both career and series.” –Publishers Weekly

A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Book of the Year
A #1 Book Sense Selection


From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…
Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.
Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle–one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.
Will the king’s dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .

Praise for Eragon:
“Unusual, powerful . . . fresh and fluid. An impressive start to a writing career that’s sure to flourish.” –Booklist, Starred
“Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.” –People
“The new ‘It’ book of children’s lit.” –U.S. News & World Report
“An auspicious beginning to both career and series.” –Publishers Weekly

A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Book of the Year
A #1 Book Sense Selection


From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

HUGELY disappointing.......2007-06-27

I didn't expect much from this book, just a nice fantasy story, pushing further Eragon in his quest...Well I was utterly disappointed reading Eldest. I must confess the book is way too predictable, and it does nothing but dusting off the same old fantasy clichès, or little more. Beside I found the carachters of Sapphira and Eragon REALLY nasty and childish...but I guess that's a matter of personal taste.
Though I must praise the side quest of Eragon's step-brother. DEspite not being totally original, it was better written and much more dense with feeling than Eragon's.
Finally I'd just point out thet the book is pretty uneventuful, there are few major events (5 I would say)and that's it.
C.P. has potential, but I belive he must work more on plot and setting.

P.S. Yeah, that's it, settig. Alagaesia is pretty much identical to R.Jordan's world (wheel of time series). And the plot, pardon me, seems too similar to Star Wars'. (I know this sounds ridiculous, but try thinking of it...)

Don't be fooled by the cover.......2007-06-27

Do not be fooled by the childlike, young teen look to the cover of this book. It is not a book intended for children. I probably wouldn't have bought this book if I hadn't read Eragon right before I went to see the movie and saw that it was not a kiddie book. Eldest is darker still, and I have no idea how this one will make it to the big screen without either tagging it with an R-rating or seriously changing the plot, thereby ruining the storyline. Needless to say, Eldest and Eragon live up to my standards of what epic fantasy should entail: believable characters, good vs. evil, epic landscape, and trials and tribulations of the hero. I've read fantasy books for going on twenty years now and only rarely do people as talented as Paolini pop up; mostly it's just stick to your dear old faithfuls (Jordan, Tolkien, Weis and Hickman, etc). But this kid surprised me almost as much as George R.R. Martin did with his Ice and Fire series a few years ago. It's not quite as engrossing as those books because there's not a lot of character setup (though he does a pretty good job of developing them into people you feel you know) but the plot also moves a little faster. Paolini's got a long career ahead of him if he can continue to write like this.

Loved it!.......2007-06-27

The only downside I found to this books is that it leaves you hanging, and still waiting for the third! I had a hard time focusing and staying interested while reading Tolkien, but flew through these books. I'm fascinated that such young author could do such a great job!

amazing.......2007-06-26

this book is a great followup of Eragon. It is quite a bit longer but I could not put this book down. I read the whole 5-6 hundred page book in 2 days. it is very exciting and keeps you reading.

"Eldest" kept me entertained.......2007-06-25

I love dragon stories & this one was consistant in plot all the way through. The story did not go off on tangents or meander.

It's hard to believe this book was written by someone so young. If the author keeps this up, he will be a great writer if he doesn't burn out.

Average customer rating: College textbook price-gouging going on here. Here is what counts

Legacies: Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Nonfiction Jan Zlotnik Schmidt , and Carley Rees Bogarad Manufacturer: Heinle ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books General | Criticism & Theory | History & Criticism | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books General | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books Rhetoric | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books Look Inside Art Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books Similar Items: The Brief Wadsworth Handbook Building A Medical Vocabulary: With Spanish Translations The Sundance Writer: A Rhetoric, Reader, and Handbook (with InfoTrac) Introduction to Sociology The Chemistry of Everything ASIN: 1413011268

Book Description

Legacies is an anthology for literature for composition courses that is thematically organized with abundant rhetoric, composition, and argument coverage. Themes outside the usual selections such as "The Heroic Journey" are included as are themes arranged by cluster within the units. Thematic previews at the beginning of each chapter cover al of the genres and show how selections can be studied within the context of the various genres. Each chapter offers a model student essay such as thematic analysis and explication.

Customer Reviews:

College textbook price-gouging going on here........2005-12-04

$67 for a paperback book is highway roberry.

Have been pricing out college textbooks on Ebay, Amazon, and the college bookstore. It's a bloody medieval guild these publishers have going here and professors who insist on the latest editions of texts are aiding and abetting the rip-off.

This is monopolisitic practice if I've ever seen it. If the industry doesn't rachet down this greed-fest, someone else will - and as far as I'm concerned, it can't happen too quickly. Shame on you all.

Here is what counts.......2000-08-24

I am an affectionate critic of "Legacies," as both editors were teachers of mine and many of the contributors were co-teachers with me in the mid-1990s. Regardless, I used the book for several years and the results speak volumes.

This is a college literature/composition reader that tries to do it all -- and succeeds. For its hefty heft, one must acknowledge that each lesson plan (day-to-day lesson plans handed happily to you by real teachers, talented teachers) belongs here. I used many of them before they were "lesson plans" -- they engage and involve students.

Whether you are a reader/student simply looking for a great resource of singular texts or a college literature professor/adjunct composition instructor searching for sure-fire ways of directing your students away from the window and towards what counts -- "Legacies" is the book.

Average customer rating:

New Millennium Reader, The (4th Edition) Stuart Hirschberg , and Terry Hirschberg Manufacturer: Prentice Hall ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Linguistics | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books Readers | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books Academic & Commercial | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books Similar Items: Steps to Writing Well with Additional Readings (with InfoTrac ) The St. Martin's Guide to Writing Grassroots with Readings: The Writer's Workbook, Eighth Edition A Writer's Reference: 2003 MLA Update Keyboarding and Formatting Essentials, Lessons 1-60 (College Keyboarding) ASIN: 0131918494

Average customer rating: spirit world is all around us just believe Climbing More Steps on the Path to Enlightenment Things that make you go hmmmm. Absolutely incredible creative workshop Pure enlightment to life

Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires Esther Hicks , Jerry Hicks , and Wayne W. Dyer Manufacturer: Hay House ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Channeling | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books New Thought | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books Self-Help | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books Personal Transformation | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent: Living the Art of Allowing Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't Ask and It Is Given - Part II: The Processes (Ask and It Is Given) The Secret ASIN: 1401904599

Amazon.com

For almost 20 years Jerry and Esther Hicks have been presenting workshops, producing tapes and writing books to help people create the life they desire. And desire is no small word in this agenda. According to the teachings of "Abraham"--a collective name for the spiritual entities that are channeled through Esther--desire is a good and natural force within us. In fact, we are all here to fulfill our desires, according to Abraham. Yet the reason so much of us feel frustrated, is that we have difficulty knowing how to ask and receive whatever we want to be, do or have.

Although Jerry and Esther are listed as the authors, Ask and It Is Given is actually a collection of channeled messages from Abraham. Fans of Abraham and the Hicks may not find new information, but will probably be delighted to have an inspiring, updated book that speaks to the familiar conversation of attracting the life we want. Newcomers may also be intrigued by this excellent, in-depth discussion on how to change one's life by matching the vibrational energy of one's desires--taking the power of positive thinking to a whole new level.

Because this material is channeled, it often reads like The Power of Now or A Course in Miracles--not a fast food book to be devoured in one sitting. Rather, this is a book to be read in passages, with a soothing gestation period in between. It includes much advice on working with energy and emotions as well as specific chapters on increasing prosperity, reclaiming health, working with meditation, and clearing clutter for clarity. For those who are onboard with the "Laws of Attraction" and the "Art of Receiving" that Abraham speaks of, this could be one of those deliciously mysterious books that you can open to any page and it seems to offer the exact advice or insight you need right now.--Gail Hudson

Book Description

Ask and It Is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks, which presents the teachings of the nonphysical entity Abraham, will help you learn how to manifest your desires so that you're living the joyous and fulfilling life you deserve.

As you read, you'll come to understand how your relationships, health issues, finances, career concerns, and more are influenced by the Universal laws that govern your time/space reality—and you'll discover powerful processes that will help you go with the positive flow of life.

It's your birthright to live a life filled with everything that is good—and this book will show you how to make it so in every way!

Customer Reviews:

spirit world is all around us just believe .......2007-07-02

this is a book which will guide you into the life you deserve if you follow the guidance and keep doing this you will know the power comes from universal energies which we all have, if you believe in your thoughts and send them with love this book will help fetch what you need, i have read this and keep reading it as well as a book the calling of your true self,the name of the book tells you its already there its up to us to tap into the universal energy the secret is the perfect partner on amazon uk both books will help you understand a little more the complex and strange ways of creation no more distant than a hairs breadth away all these books will help change your life

Climbing More Steps on the Path to Enlightenment.......2007-07-01

Numerous authors and teachers have been writing and discussing the law of attraction long before "The Secret" became a mass-production champion. First, one must understand the meaning of consciousness and should also have some experience of what it feels like to be living in the awareness of higher power or deeper meaning of things before the law of attraction will work. Also, obtaining abundance in your life with anything will not be an overnight result. The law of attraction is not about simply wishing for what you desire because the universe is only concerned with your thoughts and not the manifestation of your desires. If you can believe and understand that the universe is controlled by the power of vibration and that the level of positive or negative thinking will determine your own outcomes, then you're probably ready to try this book. The mind can be a wonderful servant when we learn to tap into our own energy source. Jerry and Esther Hicks are wonderful teachers when sharing the principles of the law of attraction. The second part of the book is when they begin teachings on how to apply the principles to our individual lives, and the emotional guidance system that they share in Chapter 22 may prove to be a breakthrough in identifying and understanding the self for many readers.

Things that make you go hmmmm........2007-06-30

I looked at this book because I heard a lot about it and wanted to see for myself what all the fuss was all about. My first clue that this book was a horse of a different color was when I found it in the "metaphysical" section of the bookstore.

I have to be honest though, I never made it through the whole book. It centers around this "spirit" called Abraham and all the advice and teaching it gave to the authors.

Definitely for "New Age" readers, if this kind of thing interests you, then for the type of book that it is, it is a good one. The book has 22 sections, whose purpose is to help you achieve your goals in life by asking you some reflective types of questions- which I did find motivating. Although not my cup of tea, the book is quite popular and I can recommend it to anyone looking for something different and inspiring. For readers who like more conventional books in the self-help genre, I recommend The Sixty-Second Motivator.

Absolutely incredible creative workshop.......2007-06-28

I love this book so much because I feel like it's a master class on life. I've always been a believer of Creative Visualization and was first introduced to the subject by Shakti Gawain's book of the same title. A few months ago, people from out of the blue would mention "Ask and It Is Given," and it sounded like something worth exploring, but I didn't pick it up until I was in the bookstore and the book basically put itself into my hands. Even on a glance through, I wasn't sure it was for me, and so I put it back, only to find myself unconsciously grabbing for it again. So I bought it and had to laugh at Wayne Dyer's intro about how this book chooses people and how just carrying it around with you is a great way to become accustomed to the good vibrations of the material within. Well, let me tell you, this book has been life-changing! Not only is it like a lifeboat, it's like a playground, a treasure chest, a tool box, a road map and wonderful guidance system. You can pick up this book at any time, read any page, and be absolutely inspired! Being aware of one's thoughts, being aware of our ability to change our thoughts and change our circumstances is one of the greatest gifts ever! And then there are The Processes, which are all incredibly cool exercises on playing with expanding our consciousness and thusly expanding our lives. I cannot recommed this book enough. Open up and enjoy the ride!

Pure enlightment to life.......2007-06-19

As an avid reader and believer of continues self-development and growth, I can only say that what has been written in this book and part II of it, is mastery on personal improvement and fulfillment of collective happiness. This is genius mastermind at first hand and a needed teaching for a new era. I can only say that if you are looking to make an everlasting change, take a glimpse to unlimited knowledge and wellbeing; and having life work easily for you at your fingertips -make no mistake, this is the way. Thank you Abraham!

Average customer rating: Worth the Wait At long last, the go-to guide for medical writers and editors is revised

AMA Manual of Style: A Guide for Authors and Editors JAMA & Archives Journals Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Nonfiction | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Medicine | Subjects | Books General | Reference | Medicine | Subjects | Books General | Medical | Reference | Science | Subjects | Books General | Reference | Medicine | Medical | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: How to Report Statistics in Medicine: Annotated Guidelines for Authors, Editors, and Reviewers (Medical Writing and Communication) (Medical Writing and ... (Medical Writing and Communication) American Medical Association Manual of Style : A Guide for Authors and Editors (AMA) Stedman's Medical Dictionary Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary Guidebook to Better Medical Writing ASIN: 0195176332

Book Description

For decades indispensable, the AMA Manual of Style continues to provide editorial support to the medical and scientific publishing community. Since the 1998 publication of the 9th edition, however, the world of medical publishing has rapidly modernized, and the intersection of research and publishing has become ever more complex. The 10th edition of the AMA Manual of Style, to be published in early 2007, brings this definitive manual into the 21st century with a broadened international perspective. In doing so, the 10th edition has expanded its electronic guidelines, with the understanding that authors now routinely submit articles through online systemsa nd often cite Web-only content. Ethical and legal issues receive increased attention, with detailed guidelines on authorship, conflicts of interest, scientific misconduct, intellectual property, and the protection of individuals' rights in scientific research and publication. The new edition examines research ethics and editorial independence and features new material on indexing and searching as well as medical nomenclature. JAMA and the Archives Journals, one of the most respected groups of medical publications in the world, have lent their expert staff of professional journal editors, half of whom are physicians, to the committee that has produced this edition. Extensively peer-reviewed, the forthcoming 10th edition will provide a welcome and improved standard for the growing international medical community. More than a style manual, this 10th edition offers invaluable guidance on how to navigate the dilemmas that authors and researchers and their institutions, medical editors and publishers, and members of the news media who cover scientific research confront in a society that has thrust these issues center stage.

Customer Reviews:

Worth the Wait.......2007-05-09

I've been waiting for this book since becoming a medical editor 3 years ago. It is completely updated for modern-day medical communications and now includes extensive sections with Internet-related information. I use it nearly every day and absolutely love it.

At long last, the go-to guide for medical writers and editors is revised.......2007-04-17

At long last, the 10th Edition of the AMA Manual of Style is finally available, and I am happy to say it was worth the wait. As an editor who has worked in medical journals, scientific Web sites, and an agency specializing in pharmaceutical advertising, I found the 9th edition to be, at times, a bit dated and not as easy to navigate as I would have hoped. Most of those problems have been resolved in the 10th edition, as well as the inclusion of some new information that I didn't even know I was missing until I found.

The following is a list of changes in the new edition of the style guide that I found particularly helpful and relevant, and will hopefully be a quick go-to guide when you're debating whether to buy the new version or hold fast to the 9th edition.

- The section on Correct and Preferred Usage has moved from Chapter 9 to Chapter 11 and includes a wealth of information that was not in the previous edition. There is more information about the difference between race and ethnicity and when it's relevant to include sexual orientation in a scientific manuscript.

- An extended section on electronic references (3.15, 63-72). This new info is highly relevant considering since 1998 (when the 9th edition was released) there have been a number of innovations with the Internet and a number of authors choose to use the Web as sources of information.

- The section on manuscript preparation is vastly improved and expanded (Ch 4). It includes more information on the different types of tables and figures as well as new guidelines for the use of symbols and footnotes.

- Of particular interest to journal editors, there is more information on authorship requirements, conflicts of interest, sources of funding, and copyright and permissions basics (Ch 5).

- The section on capitalization demonstrates that, not only can the AMA editors laugh at themselves, but that they're also familiar with the lyrics of Coolio (eg, There is no party like a West Coast party because a West Coast party doesn't stop. 10.3, 375). The section on capitalization also includes newer terms like iBook and eBay that are more relevant to modern writing (10.8, 380).

- In terms of grammar, some of the rules that always give editors trouble are more explicitly outlined and in more detail. There's a longer section on the use of that and which (7.2, 318), which I still have to look up occasionally. A final ruling on the health care vs healthcare debate (always 2 words, per AMA, 11.1, 395). And more specific rules on false/parenthetical plurals and sentences with compound subjects (7.8)

- A change in the use of states in references. All will use postal codes now, instead of the former abbreviations (14.5, 451-455).

- An expanded section on international currency (18.5.12, 817-819).

- The section on terminology has been expanded to include information about different specialties, including psychiatry, ophthalmology, and obstetrics (Ch 15). This section also includes a new chart with human viruses that is expanded and easier to navigate (15.14.3, 762-767).

- There is a more comprehensive copyediting section, including information on editing numerical information (21.1, 907; 23.1, 929-933).

- And finally, and most importantly for all newer medical editors and writing, there is a more informative resources guide with professional organizations aimed at scientific writers and editors as well as grammar and editing resources (25, 967-976).

As a whole, I'm very pleased with the new edition of the AMA style guide, and can't wait to incorporate the new changes into my own work.

Average customer rating: Stefplans APA guidlines review Great Reference Great but complex Concise was too concise

Concise Rules Of Apa Style (Concise Rules of the American Psychological Association (APA) Style) American Psychological Association Manufacturer: American Psychological Association (APA) ProductGroup: Book Binding: Spiral-bound General | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books Reference | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books Reference | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books Professional | Test Guides - Graduate & Professional | Education | Reference | Subjects | Books Reference | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books Academic & Commercial | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books Writing Skills | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books Similar Items: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fifth Edition Mastering APA Style: Student's Workbook and Training Guide Fifth Edition APA: The Easy Way! Pocket Guide to Apa Style Mastering APA Style: Instructor's Resource Guide ASIN: 1591472520

Book Description

The Concise Rules of APA Style offers essential writing and formatting standards for students, teachers, researchers, and clinicians in the social and behavioral sciences. This easy-to-use pocket guide, compiled from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, provides complete guidance on the rules of style that are critical for clear communication. Readers will learn how to avoid the grammatical errors most commonly reported by journal editors; how to choose the appropriate format for statistics, figures, and tables; how to credit sources and avoid charges of plagiarism; and how to construct a reference list through a wide variety of examples and sources.

How does the Concise Rules differ from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association? The Publication Manual remains the best source for broad background information about scientific publishing. It provides guidance on designing research, identifying the parts of a scholarly article, understanding the process of journal publication, and submitting articles for publication. The Concise Rules, by comparison, targets only those rules writers need for choosing the best words and format for their articles. It offers a comprehensive list of essential writing standards in a convenient, easily retrievable format.

In addition to guidance on grammar points that have challenged writers in the social sciences, the Concise Rules provides suggestions for reducing bias in language; reviews the mechanics of style for punctuation, spelling, capitalization, abbreviation, italicization, headings, and quotations; examines the preferred use of numbers as well as standards for metrication and statistics; provides guidance for the construction and formatting of tables, figures, and appendixes; and offers clear examples and models for referencing ideas and constructing error-free reference lists.

Available in a light-weight, spiral-bound format, the Concise Rules will travel easily from home to school to office.

Customer Reviews:

Stefplans.......2007-05-12

I thought this would be a more helpful book than the APA Publication Manual, but I was wrong. This small volume does not cover enough items that I need to write a graduate level paper. I suggest purchasing only the Publication Manual.

APA guidlines review.......2007-05-11

good reference for research papers, only wished it had better examples easier to locate instead of having to read every chapter to search for format.

Great Reference.......2007-03-22

This book is a great reference for the college student that is trying to figure out the APA Referencing Rules.

Great but complex.......2007-01-10

I found the book very helpful but complex. I rated it a four because it is accurate, absolutely correct. I had hoped it would simplify the process but found that other sites or reference material much simpler to understand for a first year student. It is a great guide!

Concise was too concise.......2007-01-03

This is probably a useful book for someone who is familiar with APA style. For someone loke myself who had no knowledge of the style rules it was of little use. I'd suggest buying the full version of APA style rules if you're just learning the format.

Average customer rating: Useful little book The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition For writing as communication but not necessarily for writing as art An essential tool Best handbook for writing you'll find

The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition William Strunk Jr. , E.B. White , and Roger Angell Manufacturer: Allyn & Bacon ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books Grammar | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books Reference | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books Writing Skills | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books Look Inside Art Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (On Writing Well) On Writing Grammatically Correct: The Writer's Essential Guide to Punctuation, Spelling, Style, Usage and Grammar The Chicago Manual of Style The Elements of Grammar ASIN: 0205313426

Amazon.com

Composition teachers throughout the English-speaking world have been pushing this book on their students since it was first published in 1957. Co-author White later revised it, and it remains the most compact and lucid handbook we have for matters of basic principles of composition, grammar, word usage and misusage, and writing style.

Book Description

This is the braille version of the timeless reference book. According to the St. Louis Dispatch, this "excellent book, which should go off to college with every freshman, is recognized as the best book of its kind we have." It should be the ". . . daily companion of anyone who writes for a living and, for that matter, anyone who writes at all" (Greensboro Daily New). "No book in shorter space, with fewer words, will help any writer more than this persistent little volume" (The Boston Globe). Two volumes in braille.

Customer Reviews:

Useful little book.......2007-06-30

"The Elements of Style" was written by E.B. White in the 1950s. It is a revised and expanded version of a booklet used by his English professor William Strunk Jr. in 1919. During the years since its publication, the book reached the fourth edition, modernized and more suitable for the times (and the changes in language).

While this book was originally aimed at writers (of books and newspaper articles), solid writing skills are important for everyone. In these days of the content-rich web, people spend a lot of their collaboration time online. Blog entries, comments, forum and mailing list posts are quite a bit of writing, and one has to follow some simple but important rules to write correctly and effectively.

What's best about it is the size. These days, when the feeling is that writers and publishers get paid by the weight of their huge tomes, it is refreshingly pleasant to hold a small pocket book of only 100 pages, packed with useful information. The guidelines for correct writing are presented as a list of rules, divided to a few subtopics, with a well-selected index making things easy to find.

The book answers some of the most common doubts in writing English text:

1. Correct usage of punctuation: commas, colons, semicolons, dashes and periods.
2. Possessive singulars of nouns ("Charles's book")
3. Using the active voice, positive form and definite, concrete language for making a point effectively.
4. Pairs of words that are commonly confused: among/between, inside of/inside, shall/will, that/which

On the downside, this book can be seen as overly pedantic. Some words it discourages to use are already ingrained in modern English, and the strict rules it contains aren't the best fit for all kinds of writing. Therefore, I would not advise using this book "religiously" as something obliging. Rather, it is best used as a useful reference for certain things. Some rules you might not agree with, but most of them are just plain common sense of English writing, and rules like the ones I listed above are decidedly essential.

The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition.......2007-06-27

This is a perennial classic -- brief, terse, pithy approach to the basics of good grammar. Well worth your time and money.
John Kimbrough

For writing as communication but not necessarily for writing as art.......2007-06-18

This is a book which teaches how to write in a clear, concise way. It teaches how to communicate most effectively one's meaning. It is a standard guide which means it can help in standard writing only. Professor Strunk at Cornell and his pupil E.B. White( Who revised and expanded his teacher's work decades after first being acquainted with it) have a clear approach on how to write correctly. But such advice cannot really be of major help to those who are interested in writing as art. Consider the styles of Joyce, of Kafka, of Kierkegaard, of Henry James and see how small these rules appear before the ambiguities, repetitions, digressions, indirections of these great masters.
This small work has been of great help and will be of great help to many- but not on the highest level of writing as Art.

An essential tool.......2007-06-08

This little book should be on the desk of anyone whose profession requires him or her to communicate via the written word.

My only gripe (and it's why I give it four stars instead of five) is the book's use of writing examples that are stylistically archaic and often contradict the authors' basic rules.

Best handbook for writing you'll find.......2007-05-25

I should have had this book during my grad student years while I taught a technical writing course for engineers. The full time instructor spontaneously vanished, so myself and another teaching assistant were left to teach the class with only a syllabus and a lame textbook. For about a year and a half I taught that course and was convinced it was impossible to teach grammar - but I didn't have the right tool. I changed the syllabus repeatedly, whittling away and some larger goal that I couldn't define. I just couldn't get the difference between active and passive speech through their heads (among other things), so I settled for the tried and true Intro-Body-Conclusion ten pager essay and graded them on format and execution. I tried to use context to pull them out of poor habits, but I still had paper titles like "The Internet in the United State's" (sic).

Some time later, when I was doing research, writing papers, and beginning my thesis work, a light went off in my head. I remembered an internship I had where my mentor told me to pick up a copy of a writing handbook, and for some reason I kept thinking "Charlotte's Web?" in my head. I Googled the book and eventually found Strunk and White. The day I got it I instantly recognized its value.

Tucked away in this short and concise little book are gold nuggets of information. Besides the well known tips about prepositions and run ons, there are well-written examples of commonly misused words, such as "comprise" and "effectual". The examples are hilarious and perfectly suited for instruction. The book is not a disorganized lump of opinions about writing style, rather it is well sorted with bold and italics to set off rules and lists about certain elements of style that should be considered by any writer.

I give this book as a gift to anybody taking on a writing endeavor, and I keep my own copy on my bookshelf at work. I was tempted to put "As a matter of fact (comma)" at the beginning of the previous sentence, but Strunk would slap my hand for that. It is a useless phrase that adds no value to the sentence.

At work, we are constantly writing technical reports and proposals and I often reach for this book when I'm attempting to clean up my mental-fatigued ramblings. I should have had this book in my teaching years, and if I could go back, I'd pay for all of the books myself if it meant the kids would keep their copy for their personal collection.

On a practical note, buy this book in addition to "The Little, Brown Handbook" by Fowler. Between the two of them you will be well equipped to tackle the complexities of technical or descriptive writing.

Average customer rating: I highly recommend this book for new and accomplished writers I love Anne Lamott Truly Inspirational HELPED ME TO GET REAL Entertaining But Slight

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life Anne Lamott Manufacturer: Anchor ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Speech | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books Journalism | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books Writing Skills | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Reference | Subjects | Books General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within (Shambhala Pocket Classics) Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith On Writing Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith ASIN: 0385480016 Release Date: 1995-09-01

Product Description

Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Amazon.com

Think you've got a book inside of you? Anne Lamott isn't afraid to help you let it out. She'll help you find your passion and your voice, beginning from the first really crummy draft to the peculiar letdown of publication. Readers will be reminded of the energizing books of writer Natalie Goldberg and will be seduced by Lamott's witty take on the reality of a writer's life, which has little to do with literary parties and a lot to do with jealousy, writer's block and going for broke with each paragraph. Marvelously wise and best of all, great reading.

Customer Reviews:

I highly recommend this book for new and accomplished writers.......2007-06-11

Anna Lamott did a terriic job writing this book. She gives lots of helpful and encouraging advice for new writers as well as accomplished writers. Among her pearls of wisdom she tells the reader to take it one step at a time when writing -- little by little -- or as she says her father once advised her 10 year old brother who was agonizing over a book report on birds: just take it bird by bird. I also took her advice on focusing on the characters and not the plot. She also shares some very helpul insight for struggling writers that I have not only found true but inspirational. And that's the fact that writing is more rewarding than publication.

I love Anne Lamott.......2007-05-07

This book is not a technical manual. It is more like advice from a friend about allowing yourself to write. Lamott describes the troubles that she has had in her writing career and explains what helps her when she encounters those troubles. She encourages everyone to write, even if just for themselves. She warns that very few aspiring writers will be published, and that even if they are published, it may just be a maddeningly anti-climactic moment as it has been for her.

She offers many reasons to write, and more than a few ways to get past writer's block. She explains how important it is to use your own voice when you write, and to be honest about your subject. She suggests writing honestly about your childhood, good or bad, and also tells you briefly how to avoid libel in case your story isn't too flattering to others. There's a lot of advice in here that will help aspiring writers to allow themselves to write.

Anne Lamott's distinct voice, sharp sense of humor and honesty are refreshing. What I particularly love about Lamott is that when she tells a particularly funny joke, or makes a particularly poignant remark, she doesn't stall her writing in order for the reader to have time to notice, nor does she try to point out how funny or poignant she is: She is on to the next thought or story while you're still laughing out loud or letting out a deep sigh. Her humor is a bit dark at times, but no less funny for it. Though Lamott is a Christian, she uses curse words liberally. Personally, I appreciate that she does, because it shows that she is unafraid to be honest about who she is, and that can help her readers to have the courage to do the same.

Mostly this book is about the courage to write, and getting out of your own way. If you're like me and criticize your writing or story ideas before you even have them on the page, then buy this book. This book would make a great companion to "Becoming a Writer" by Dorothea Brande. Brande will teach you how to develop a writer's habits, and Lamott will give you the courage to do so.

Truly Inspirational.......2007-04-16

This book is was so fun to read. It inspired me to start writing immediately. Lamott writes honestly and humorously about the meaningfulness of writing. She offers tips on how to have the right attitude for writing; for example, expecting bad first drafts. It was such a relief to find this book. Made me feel like I'm on the right track and encouraged me never to give up on writing.

HELPED ME TO GET REAL.......2007-03-21

Anne Lamott's book helped me get real about my writing --- it helps to know other writers like her come up against what I've been struggling with --- this book (among others) is what helped me get clear and real with my own voice. Thank you, Anne Lamott. Pamela D. Blair, Author, The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Midlife and BeyondThe Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond

Entertaining But Slight.......2007-02-07

Bird by Bird is an instructional guide on writing with a good helping of life on the side. The title "Bird by Bird" is taken from her father's advice to her brother who was agonizing over a book report on birds: "Just take it bird by bird." Lamott's suggestion on the craft of fiction is personal and pragmatic: worry about the characters, not the plot, getting rid of jealousy, the anticlimax of publicaiton, etc. She wisely advises writers to form support groups pieced together with family, friends, and other writers. She observes that sometimes you won't get good support from writing groups, but you'll need them to keep your sanity.

If you are looking for hard core advice on writing, you may find this book a bit slight. Some of the chapters are only a few pages in a small format book. But if you are looking for entertainment, diversion while you are stuck in your own writing, inspiration, the word on the path taken, this is the book for you.

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