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Fowler's Modern English Usage
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Fowler's Modern English Usage description
For generations, lovers of the English language have turned to trusty copies of Fowler's to settle nagging grammatical questions, or, for true hard-core language junkies, for the sheer fun of reading H. W. Fowler's classic outrage contained in entries on "Hackneyed Phrases" or "Pedantic-Humour Words." The New Fowler's Modern English Usage, the first revision in more than 30 years, has not arrived without controversy. Some language (and Fowler) purists complain that the book is too liberal at times, noting that usage is common as opposed to correct. Those points are debatable, and, indeed, they're what makes the book's nearly 900 pages so interesting to peruse. The currency of the new Fowler's extends to, in the entry on "Vogue Words," such novelties as "couch potato," "flavour of the month," "on a roll," and the notorious "parameter." |
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Fowler's Modern English Usage Customer Reviews
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What is it in itself?
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That's what Thomas Aquinas suggested we consider when assessing anything - What is it in itself?
This is not Fowler's (the second edition), even though the cover indicates that the publisher would be happy for you to believe it is. The introduction makes it plain that this a wholly different kettle of fish to the beloved Fowler's. It is less prescriptive, as other reviewers have noted. It is drier, there is less wit, less opinion, and perhaps less wisdom. I find it less well organised than Fowler's.
But it is very good at what it is trying to do: offer a description of modern English usage, including English used in the Americas and other far-flung locations. If you are a casual reader I would probably still recommend Fowler's first, just because it's generally the more enjoyable read. Also, you can pick it up for about 50 cents. If you are a language maven or work with words I can't imagine you'd want to be without this, although I'd expect you to also have Fowler's on your shelf.
Fowler's tells you what to do, although of course you can disagree, and in many cases the passage of time means you must if you want to be understood. This edition just lays out the land and lets the reader decide. Either way it's still your decision, but responding to Fowler's prescription is more fun than just choosing between dry options. I prefer the more prescriptive approach of Fowler's, so like others I want that approach with this currency (or might that be currentness, I'll have to check...), but in itself - this is very good at what it intends to be. |
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