Simple & Direct: A Rhetoric for Writers

Barzun, Jacques

ISBN 10: 0060102365 / ISBN 13: 9780060102364

Published by Harper & Row, Publishers (edition First Edition), 1977

About this Item

The item might be beaten up but readable. May contain markings or highlighting, as well as stains, bent corners, or any other major defect, but the text is not obscured in any way.

Seller Inventory # 0060102365-7-1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Simple & Direct: A Rhetoric for Writers
• Publisher: Harper & Row, Publishers (edition First Edition)
• Publication Date: 1977
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0060102365
• ISBN 13: 9780060102364
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Fair

About this title

Synopsis

In Simple & Direct, Jacques Barzun, celebrated author and educator, distills from a lifetime of writing and teaching his thoughts about the craft of writing. In chapters on diction, syntax, tone, meaning, composition, and revision, Barzun describes and prescribes the techniques to correct even the most ponderous style. Exercises, model passages -- both literary and unorthodox -- and hundreds of often amusing examples of usage gone wrong demonstrate the process of making intelligent choices and guide us toward developing strong and distinctive prose.

About the Author

Born in France in 1907, Jacques Barzun came to the United States in 1920. After graduating from Columbia College, he joined the faculty of the university, becoming Seth Low Professor of History and, for a decade, Dean of Faculties and Provost. The author of some thirty books, including the New York Times bestseller From Dawn to Decadence, he received the Gold Medal for Criticism from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, of which he was twice president. He lived in San Antonio, Texas, before passing away at age 104.