Joseph Epstein, one of my favorite essayists, referred to Style by F. L. Lucas in a recent review of another, inferior, style guide. It took some searching, but I was able to find a copy of Style and I read it immediately. Published in 1955, F. L. Lucas’ Style takes plenty for granted. For example, there are at least a hundred quotations in this book in FRENCH. Lucas assumes as an intelligent, educated reader, I should be able to read those French quotations. Sadly, my high school French was not up to the task so I missed out on many wonderful examples of great style. Lucas also includes examples in Latin and Greek, but occasionally takes pity on the language-challenged reader and provides translations. Still, there are hundreds of examples in clear, precise English to enjoy. If you’re a fan of good writing, there’s plenty of it in Style. If you want to improve your writing style, F. L. Lucas may have written the definitive guide. GRADE: A
For quick checks and reference I use Style Check, American Heritage, 3rd edition, and of course for more in-depth investigations the fine set of (so far) six books by Grey Wolfe Press which I learned about from you. I won’t dig this out, doubt I’d get enough from it, but thank you for the review.
Hope you’re feeling better and working up a sweat in P.T.
I be stylin’ all de time.
Hi there,
I also read the article, but couldn’t find a copy for less than £400. Frustrated, I managed to get in touch with F. L. Lucas’s son, and I’m excited to say that the publisher I work for is bringing out a new edition in 2012: http://www.harriman-house.com/style
It will be paperback and eBook, available worldwide. Purchasers of the paperback will get a DRM-free ePub of the book too.
Best,
Chris Parker
Harriman House
Great news, Chris! I will certainly buy a copy.
Looks like Harriman’s reissue has been released:
http://www.newenglishreview.org/custpage.cfm/frm/117345/sec_id/117345
Thanks,LRS! I’ll be ordering copy.