Library Journal Review

Combining the best of William Strunk and E.B. White's Elements of Style and William Zinsser's On Writing Well, Lamb (How To Write It) remains true to classic writing advice while mirroring the modern business world and "help[ing] the business writer master the skills of effective business writing in.[a] world of electronic business transmissions." Emphasizing the need to answer the questions of what, why, where, when, and how much in the most complete and succinct manner possible, Lamb provides judicious and effective sidebars, multiple examples, and extensive lists, making this book almost as complete as a grammar text. Examples of the lists include 21 pages of "Misused, Confused, and Abused Words" as well as five pages of jargon and buzzwords. Lamb covers all writing stages, from outlining and organizing one's thoughts to editing before sending a message; writing reports, memos, proposals, grant applications, presentations, speeches, and electronic communications; and offers sample résumés and letters. Unlike Christine A. Hult's The Handy English Grammar Answer Book, which provides answers to the most common grammar questions for a variety of writing situations, Lamb concentrates solely on business writing and often provides more examples than those found in Hult's work. The bibliography includes classics such as R.W. Burchfield's Fowler's Modern English Usage and Constance Hale's Sin and Syntax. The detailed index means easy access. VERDICT Offering an emphasis on business writing, Lamb's short, tightly focused chapters and clear prose make this title a must-have for public, academic, and business collections serving business people, writers, students, and those interacting with the business culture.-Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.