Monday, January 16, 2006
The Elements of Style
The Elements of Style is now out in an illustrated edition. This should be a boon for the blogging community. Collectively, we are in need of a few reminders, and the pith and concision of Strunk and White can be a guide to us all. I am learning a few things as I re-read this classic.
As I look back at this last paragraph, I wonder which "element" I've neglected, which grammatical rule I've broken. This in itself is a good thing.
I confess: I'm a sucker for classics re-pristinated. For example, Paradise Lost was recently reissued in an illustrated version. It includes a forward by Philip Pullman, another favorite author. I bought it. Also W.S. Merwin's new translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight . The only exception to this rule is new translations of Dante (although I did purchase Merwin's Purgatoril).
My new resolution for 2006 will be to publish on this blog in such a way that Strunk would be, if not proud, then at least approving.
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I thought you might enjoy reading (if you have not already read) this review of "Elements of Style" the opera. (Technically, the musical piece is not an opera; it is a song cycle.) Here's a link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9842701/
On a sadder note, I have read that someone (I trust it is not in this volume) has seen fit to again update the classic. I cannot remember where I read that news, and the Internet has been no help. But we should all beware.
Dwight P
The version with illustrations is the original one edited by E.B. White and written by Strunk, otherwise known as Strunk and White.
ReplyDeleteI will take a look at the opera.