If you're making books, you can't live without the latest edition of 'The Chicago Manual of Style.' I don't make books, so I limp along with my 27-year-old 13th edition rather than shuck out the bucks for a new model. ( )

Painfully expensive at $55, but the authoritative text on punctuation, type, and about a thousand other nit picky details. It’s an indispensible reference volume for OCD novice authors like me. ( )

The audience for this particular reference is given in the volume’s subtitle. The Chicago Manual of Style provides a reference source for writers, editors and publishers. In fact, the Manual calls itself the “essential reference for all who work with words” (dust jacket). The fourteenth edition claims to be easier to use than its predecessors due to several changes intended to make the text more systematic, inclusive, reflective of contemporary usage, and accessible. Among these changes is the inclusion of a greater number and variety of examples. Major revisions include the recognition of the major role computers now play in the publishing industry and the chapters on documentation. The documentation chapters have been streamlined to make them easier for readers to use. In addition to rule revisions, the Manual has extended its section on the parts of the book, recognizing its increased use as a publishing reference. While the volume begins with a comprehensive table of contents, each chapter has its own table of contents. The book is organized by topic and rules are found in the tables of contents and index not by page number but by section and paragraph number (ie.13.6). The Chicago Manual of Style also provides users with guide words, a glossary of technical terms, bibliography, and an extensive index with cross-references to aid in the access of information.

If you work with words, this is a reference book you must own. If you work with words on a computer, The CD-ROM version of the 15th edition is a must.

Publishing has changed dramatically and the Manual has changed with it. The editors promise that every aspect of their coverage has been examined and updated. In addition to books, the Manual also provides guidelines for journals and electronic publications.

The CD-ROM version, I am told, is great. Searches are easy.

Updated approximately once a decade, the 15th edition is the most significant revision I can remember.There is a new chapter on American Grammar usage and usage. Design and manufacturing coverage has been streamlined to reflect current procedures.

If you are looking for clear, concise advice, the 15th edition is reference stylebook on CD-ROM is for you.

Penned by the Pointed Pundit
March 19, 2008
3:14:32 PM ( )

An indispensable, enjoyable reference that is never far from my desk. It's authoritative and even rather funny in spots. Can you really be a good editor without it? I doubt it! ( )