Bryson's Dictionary of Troublesome Words

by Bill Bryson

Book Overview

One of the English language's most skilled and beloved writers guides us all toward precise, mistake-free usage. As usual Bill Bryson says it best: "English is a dazzlingly idiosyncratic tongue, full... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0767910427
• ISBN13: 9780767910422
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Broadway Books
• Length: 241 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.7" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

An enjoyable reference not just for editors

If you are one of those people who actually care about your writing, then this book is for you. I picked up a copy recently at a bookstore and I've browsed through most of it. I'm embarrassed to say that I found a few words that I had been using incorrectly! I don't know if I'd really use this book over a 'real' dictionary, but I would definitely consider it if I'm unsure of a definition or the proper usage of a word. I expect that I'll be reviewing this book occasionally to make sure that there isn't some word that I'm slipping up on. If you are self conscious and concerned about your writing, then pick up this valuable resource. I guarantee you'll be able to find something in the book that you haven't been using properly or misspelling (if that's not the case, then congratulations).

A valuable reference book for all who write

Bryson delivers commonsense answers to your everyday language questions. I've put my copy of Bryson right next to my copy of Fowler. Bryson is neither too conservative nor too liberal: he usually finds the happy medium. If you love English grammar and usage, or write seriously, you'll find this book a great help.

Not just for writers!

I borrowed this book from a friend, having found that it was out of print. I found it fascinating, and interesting. It not just for acdemics, but suitable for anybody who has an interest in words. The book covers common gramatical errors - many of which are to be found in what is usually considered to be one of "The Better" daily newspapers! It also guides the reader through some of the more unusual usage of the English language. It is book to dip into time and time again.

A good book to have alongside a Dictionary

I got this book from a thrift shop. It was the best $2.00 I have ever spent. If you are a person who likes to write a lot then this book should be beside your computer or word processor. Bryson shows you how to properly use the more troublesome words in the English vocabulary that often leaves us stumped and confused. I enjoyed flicking through it (I am a bit of a word buff) just for fun and it is a lot easier to use than a dictionary which does not tell you in what context to put certain words such as "affect" and "effect" to name just two. However this book DOES NOT replace a dictionary, rather it complements it, so for all your word buffs, go and get this book, it's a real eye opener...well it is if you like the English Language and all the silly things we do with it!