The Elements of Style (Recorded Books Edition)

Dorothy Parker once commented:"If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do for them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they're happy."

Who knew a book about grammar could be so entertaining & useful? And Frank McCourt is the perfect choice to perform the audiobook!

If you think you know anything about the English language, you had better know this book backward and forward. It's every bit as wise and relevant today as it has ever been. I was somewhat curious as to whether this would come off as an audio book, because in my memory it was so intricately tied to the written word. Listening just broadened my respect for Strunk and White. This book is about language, by and for those who love and value it, in whatever form it takes. The Elements of Style (Recorded Books Edition)

Print on demand book version of Strunk’s first edition. What was a standard for excellence is now an antiquated has-been. Very small print on the examples makes this book unbearable for older eyes. Thankfully, there are other, better manuals out there.

I realize McCourt is Irish. He can be a good reader: I loved his reading of the audiobook version of his autobiography  'Tis: A Memoir . His reading of the 1970's introduction to Elements of Style by E.B. White was good. But once he started reading the body of the book, he was slurring words. At times he seems to not be paying attention to what he is reading. At other times he becomes passionate and vehement, which may be a good match for the emotion of the original writer, Professor Strunk.If you don't mind this kind of narration, get it. I personally have my own history with alcohol so I could not finish listening. Sorry Frank.