Prentice Hall Handbook for Writers

If the current edition of this book is like the second edition I've used for many years, it is a shop manual for English composition. Each part of a sentence is defined and illustrated. Most important, all types of sentences are diagrammed (at least I hope that feature survives in this edition). And there may be no better way to understand how a verbal construction works or doesn't work than to take it apart and put each piece in its place in a diagram. Diagramming is also a great tool to use in arguing various points of construction. The book also includes general rules and approaches to building complete manuscripts. And the table of contents and index get you quickly to what you want to know. All in all, an excellent preparation for writing and an equally good reference.

It has consice explanations and practical exercises. Especially for students who want to produce better written output, this book is the best choice. One thing I prefer is that the running head of each page should have full words (not abbreviations)and chapter number and title. It will make it easier to consult.