Review Dreyer’s English: An utterly correct guide to clarity and style (a review)

original work by BENJAMIN DREYER reviewed by BARRY TOMALIN

Oh no, not another dictionary! Especially, not another English dictionary! But no, this one is different. First, its author is Benjamin Dreyer, Vice President, Executive Managing Editor and Chief Copy Editor of Random House Publishing in the USA. Secondly, it is not a dictionary. It is a wise and witty commentary on English usage, covering vocabulary, grammar and punctuation. Its style is personal. It is as if Dreyer is talking directly to the reader and it is frequently very amusing. It is extremely useful for editors, copywriters, teachers of English and for anyone writing in English, indeed for anyone writing emails, blogs, books articles or exercises for students.

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