The Elements of Style [Illustrated] Paperback – Illustrated, August 28, 2007

Who would believe that Elements of Style by Strunk and White would incude full page, colorful art among pages that advise readers and writers about the active and passive voice, adverbs, nouns, pronouns,independent clauses, as well as excellent advice to writers,such as, "work with nouns and verbs ""do not overwrite," "do not explain too much," and so much more. This classic,that most of us were required to own in high school and/or college, may be delighted to see among these "serious" pages are colorful illustrations by Maira Kalman . I am a published writer and a writing instructor and have had several copies of Elements of Style since my school days and I certainly use it in my writing classes because it is extremey useful, because of its clarity, because the explanations are condensed, and the original version itself is small enough to place in a handbag, tote bag or a pocket. The slim paperback is 71 pages and the new, illustrated paperback is 153 pages, both are available. I have both; the original and when I discovered on Amazon.com that there was a new, illustrated version, I couldn't resist purchasing it; for its festive addition of stylized, colorful illustrations of mountains and trees; figures in brightly colored clothes,fanciful images of rooms of a home (bedroom, living rooms), images of an old fashioned couple on an outside bench. These stylized, playful and brightly colored illustrations, among pages on grammar and effective writing , is a delight to me. And on the cover is an illustration of a long-eared, sad-eyed pooch on a pink background. Perhaps that image was chosen for the cover to let us know that this edition of Elements of Style, is not only educational but also joy-filled and amusing. .And perhaps that pooch is asking you to take him home.

My new "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White, illustrated by Maira Kalman, lies before me now, beside the 1959 edition that I have had since August of that year.Since I hadn't reread the old one in who knows how many years, what induced me to buy a new one? I have always retained affection for Strunk's "little book."Recently I read a review of the new "The Elements of Style Illustrated," and saw a few of the paintings by Maira Kalman. And I heard of the song cycle, based on the book, composed by young Nico Muhly in collaboration with Ms. Kalman and premiered in the Rose Main Reading Room of the New York Public Library.The illustrated book sounded like fun, so I ordered it, which prompted me to read Strunk's words again with new appreciation.The overall design of the new book is appealing -- bright red covers, a somewhat larger format (about an inch wider, a half-inch taller, and 156 pages as opposed to 71), the cleaner look of the pages (with more white space and semi-glossy). Both books are hardbacks; I think I would not like the feel of the new one as a paperback.Most striking on the mostly bare, red front cover, is a huge white colon punctuation mark, centered below "THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE." The printing is white (no connection to E. B. White, I'm sure). The word "illustrated" in small gold italic is printed near the lower right. The red back cover is completely bare except for a matching, centered white semicolon.The cover designer, presumably Ms. Kalman or someone she worked closely with, no doubt intended that we follow these magnified punctuation marks: The colon by reading and viewing the book. The semicolon by proceeding to our own independent work.Ms. Kalman's paintings are colorful, mostly full page, some double page, and attractively quirky. Her subject's eyes are intelligent and draw you in. The first double page appears to be of E. B. White, comfortably seated with a book, in a roomful of books -- piled on the tables, stacked on the floor, shelved in bookcases; on another chair, I think I see his dachshund Minnie who won't relinquish her place to more books. At the end of "Elements" are Ms. Kalman's paintings of Strunk, White again, and of herself.Those of you who were introduced to Strunk years ago, in a Diction and Usage class somewhere (say, Ann Arbor), don't need anyone else to tell you of his value and influence. You who have yet to read him, should have confidence in the millions who already have, knowing that his brief remarks about writing will prove clarifying, incisive, and encouraging. Enjoy Maira Kalman's gallery. The book is a thing of intellectual and visual beauty.

I have always loved this helpful book and this more recent edition with lovely colorful illustrations is a gem. Highly recommended for ANYONE who loves the English language and wants to be a better writer...In my view, it should be a required little text for any English class and especially for any class for teachers of English!

Why shouldn't the most referred to book in my library have some nice artwork?We learn to write multiple times in our life. We may graduate college and never learn to communicate the ideas that we studied. These rules, that once seemed ominous and stifling in grade school, now are dear friends that guide us toward clarity. Visiting the rules again can stimulate a new found confidence of expression.A fresh look for this classic coincided with my need to communicate to a wider audience. While the illustrations don't add to the explanations, the book feels less judgmental. Maybe the added frill of the artwork reminds us that writing should not simply formulaic. Keep this simple guide within arms reach.

When my husband was in college, he had a quote from this book on the wall. His roommates thought he was weird, but my husband didn't care, he loved the clever way I think it was a semi-colon was described to be used. So he was very excited when he saw that I had purchased an illustrated version to use in our homeschooling. I admit I haven't read it yet, but I'm looking forward to incorporating it into our lessons. I really like "pretty" versions of books and thumbing through this one is delightful. E.B. White, author of Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and Trumpet of the Swan, is what drew me to this book over some of the others I might have chosen. Seeing my husband's reaction when he first held it was so rewarding though. What a treasure to have on our bookshelf.