The Glamour of Grammar by Roy Peter Clark (July 2010 ER)

My worst fear when writing a review of a grammar or style manual is that I’ll make some sort of typographical error that will lead readers to think things, like “Did she even read this thing? Skimming doesn’t count” or “See there’s a fine example of what American schools produce today: illiterates.”

The Glamour of Grammar receives cautious thumbs up from me. Roy Peter Clark is obviously a wonderful writer; he appreciates the magic of words; he distills difficult concepts down to first principles in an easy to follow way; however, he’s really a bit politically intolerant in a smart ass kind-of-way. His side comments and political statements are distracting and off-putting. He also pours it on a little heavy with his appeal to contemporary readers through his use of so many pop culture examples. The beginning and end work better for me than some of the middle. It really could be a great little manual if Clark would embrace a less abrasive political tenor.

I couldn't agree more about Clark's nasty political comments. They got so annoying that I did not finish the book, and shortly afterwards put it up on a book swap site. There are plenty of good grammar books out there that don't subject the reader to the author's ego!

My review: http://www.librarything.com/review/63828938

Right there with you. Liberal elite academics always think Republicans are slow-witted. They're stunned that they can tie their own shoes, let alone read.

Can we get some quotes? I'd love to see just how crude this guy is.