the English language and its usage for writing well. It is in eight chapters with a foreword by William F. Buckley Jr. and an introduction by the author.


The first few chapters deal with linguistics in general, author's pet peeves, the tools of English, cultivating one's skills by being careful with things one ought to do or not to do. In the crotchets section, in alphabetical order, the author alerts us to the use and misuse of certain words and general mistakes with their meanings. It closes on a lighter note with word games such as scrabble, crossword and the like. Inside the book there are many good tips and recommendations for a basic writer's bookshelf.

the My Crotchets and Your Crotchets chapter where many pitfalls have been shown.

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read the author's other books since the author has been in the news media for most of his life.

strongly about usage of English language.

James J. Kilpatrick has been reporter, editor, columnist, commentator, and briefly an adjunct professor of journalism.


Born in Oklahoma in 1920, he began his professional career in 1941 as a reporter for the Richmond, Va., News Leader. In 1964 he began writing "A Conservative View," his syndicated column. In 1981 he took on another weekly column, THE WRITER'S ART, on the use and abuse of English. A debater on "60 Minutes," he has also served on "Meet the Press," "Inside Washington," and other television programs. He has written or edited 11 books, including two dealing with the writer's art.

it urges writers to attain a higher level of skill.

its first printing was in 1985. Language goes through some changes during each decade. There are some views in the book that may have to be reconsidered today.

It is a good book to read if you can find it. It is out of print. Even a used edition costs $69 plus. Some libraries may have it.

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Created Jan 07, 2002 at 8:15pm • Submit your own review...