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The Glamour Grammar: A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English Audiobook
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(3.01) - 1,795 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
early in the history of english, glamour ad grammar were the same word, linked to enchantment and magical spells. Now grammar brings to mind language bullies and bored-out-of-their-skulls students. Roy Peter Clark, one of America’s most influential writing teachers, wants to change that by putting the glamour back into grammar. Whether you are composing a novel, a memo, an e-mail, or a blog post, you can immediately apply any of the lessons Clark lays out in fifty short chapters. Covering everything from the parts of speech to why effective writers prefer concrete nouns and active verbs, Clark teaches you how to use periods, commas, and semicolons to their fullest advantage; befriend the lively verb to be; avoid “hyper-grammar”; properly place those tricky modifiers; and harness other secrets of powerful prose. Above all, he teaches you how to master grammar to perfect your use of English, to hone meaning, and to charm through your writing. In a world where we communicate more and more through emails and text messages, how you use language matters—even in 140 characters. The Glamour of Grammar prepares you top captivate with every word.
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"This is tough book to review because I read portions of the book. What I did read, the author had me laughing out loud, at his (unexpectedly) witty examples on how to better use grammar. I dare say it I learned a few pointers, and would highly recommend this book. For that I would give it 4 stars. "
— Macdonald (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Very much a manual for the 21st century...a welcome addition to the bookshelf of anyone who cares about language-and is willing to argue about it.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“A fine common-sense guide to the proper use of language.”
— Boston Globe -
“Who knew that a discussion of grammar could induce laughter?”
— Publishers Weekly -
“[Roy Peter] Clark takes readers through a well-paced presentation…he conveys the magic that is to be found in English, in its ever active evolution.”
— Library Journal -
“An engaging and witty exploration of the shifting rules of English grammar...Clark shows breathtaking knowledge of how language is used in the real world and a passionate commitment to helping writers make good choices.”
— Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Glamour Grammar Listener Reviews
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" Especially interesting as a look into the world of rare books and maps as well as the New York Public Library. "
— Ann, 2/16/2014 -
" This is very nicely done. The thing that I like most about Linda Fairstein's series about Alex Cooper is that shee gives the reader interesting facts about NYC or other subjects. This time the murders revolve around the world of rare books and old maps "
— Marti, 2/9/2014 -
" A story that takes place among books! "
— Crystal, 1/17/2014 -
" I give this 3.5 stars and I always round up ;-) The story was good, but what I enjoyed the most was all the little interesting facts about the New York Public Library and the world of rare books and maps collectors. Very interesting stuff. "
— Kim, 12/29/2013 -
" ugh - okay - the part about the NY public library was interesting. But the rest - with it not follwing the "series". not so good. "
— Jane, 12/4/2013 -
" I picked this up on tape to listen to while I sew, and realized that I had already read it. Fairstein sets her books in New York and this one is centered on the New York City Public Library. It was a good story, but obviously didn't stick in my mind. "
— Nancy, 11/26/2013 -
" This was the first Linda Fairstein mystery I have read and I picked right because much of the book involved rare books and the NYPL. "
— Aacton, 10/23/2013 -
" Murder at the New York City Library. Rare books disappearing. If you have murder, a mystery, and books, what more can you ask for? "
— Missmath144, 9/27/2013 -
" This was another fun read. I love books about books. You add a couple of dead bodies and it ends up to be the perfect book. I have read Fairstein before and will continue to do so. "
— Audra, 7/22/2013 -
" Interesting information about the New York Public Library's collection and history. "
— Melanie, 7/8/2013 -
" I really liked all the stuff about the New York Public Library...but the murder mystery itself was kind of lame! "
— Jill, 6/2/2013 -
" A great guided tour through the NY Public Library. "
— Joani, 4/16/2013 -
" Not one of my favorites. Too -- way too -- much detail in the form of dialogue. Had to force myself to finish it. "
— Betty, 4/12/2013 -
" Alex, Mercer, and Mike again battle wits against a group of nasty characters. This time a family who has connections to the New York Public Library and an obsession with old books and maps. Kept me interested. "
— Ginny, 4/11/2012 -
" this is the first time i have read anything from his author it was a really good book "
— Serena, 4/9/2012 -
" Enjoyed this story very much. Linda took Alex Cooper on the trail of Book Collectors. Interesting. Personally, I like to read books about books. "
— Julie, 3/26/2012 -
" Liked it much better than the Poe-related one. This Alex Cooper mystery was an interesting exploration of old maps and intrigue. "
— Ellen, 11/29/2011 -
" Listened to audio book. Nice plot with much interesting information about the NYC library system. "
— Paul, 11/26/2011 -
" I liked the mystery but got bogged down in the limitless details of the maps. I guess it is the puzzle that interests me more than the theft. "
— Alicek, 8/5/2011 -
" I've read all of Fairstein's books. The story itself isn't the greatest but it's partially set in the NY Public Library, which is interesting. "
— Stacey, 7/28/2011 -
" Too much talking, not enough action plagued this story. Premise is fun - quest for books leads to death, but my husband and I agree that we won't be seeking this author again. "
— Joyce, 6/2/2011 -
" Good setting in and around the NY Public Library. Lots of literature references...an intelligent read. "
— Faith, 4/3/2011 -
" Sounds boring - but very entertaining! I use way too many exclamation marks! "
— Ashland, 3/26/2011 -
" Roy Peter Clark's last book would be a difficult work to follow given its superior quality, but he did it again. This book is a 'must read' for anyone who writes.<br/><br/>I can't wait for his next book 'Help? I'm a Writer' coming in September 2011. "
— Steven, 3/18/2011 -
" Excellent overview of English grammar and fun.<br/> "
— Pinaultm, 3/10/2011 -
" Some interesting tidbits about word origins, as well as the use of various punctuation devices. But I can't say that I was overly enthusiastic about this book. "
— Jeanne, 12/27/2010 -
" Good to read, the English language shouldn't be taken for granted. "
— Eileen, 10/2/2010
About Roy Peter Clark
Roy Peter Clark is vice president and senior scholar at The Poynter Institute, one of the most prestigious schools for journalists in the world. He has taught writing for more than thirty years and has spoken about the writer’s craft on The Oprah Winfrey Show and NPR. A writer who teaches and a teacher who writes, he has authored or edited a number books about writing and journalism, including Writing Tools and The Glamour of Grammar. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.