Strunk and White: First Impressions

My first impression of "Elements of Style" by Strunk and White was that it's a very useful little book to have for any writing class. Some of the rules they demand the reader follow are debatable, especially rules 1 and 2. One has to remember that the first part of this book was written about 80 years ago by Strunk. E.B. White added to it over several decades. Prof. Strunk lived 1869-1946. E.B. White lived 1900-1990 roughly. When Prof. Strunk first started teaching, the education field did not have a national body to promote a standard of teaching English. Also, childhood education was not compulsory. A lot did not attend school or attended only a few years. Prof. Strunk's students were not used to writing English a certain way, so he created his own standard. There was an Eastern board elite that liked to promote itself as the ideal speakers and writers of English.

The speaking, reading and writing of American English has long been shrouded in controversy, debate, and politics. "Elements of Style" is Strunk's (and White's) take on the issue.