grammar

  • Reading about writing

    Reading about writing

    Who would think that books about grammar would be so inviting? Sister Bernadette’s Barking Dog: the Quirky History and Lost Art of Diagramming Sentences is delightful because it fully engages the reader in the odd history of diagramming, from its birth in the mid 1800s to Gertrude Stein’s love of diagramming. People schooled in earlier times will… Continue reading

  • Well That’s Different

    If you’re in the mood for something a little off-beat, try one of these dillies. The Toothpick by Henry Petroski. More from the guy that brought you The Pencil. What began as a twig has become a tiny work of art. Find out how toothpicks are made (in great secrecy), possible interlopers on the trade… Continue reading

  • Literally, the best gifts ever for a grammar lover

    Every few years, a book comes along that is an absolutely perfect gift for those brave souls who never confuse their pronouns nor mix their tenses. Four years ago, that book was Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss; three years ago it was Maira Kalman’s elegant, witty illustrations that made it imperative that I… Continue reading

  • Nightstand Reads: Martha Brockenbrough’s essential books for writers

    It’s a little daunting to write a proper introduction here about Martha Brockenbrough. She is the founder of SPOGG, the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar, as well as National Grammar Day (which received quite a lot of press attention). Her new book, Things That Make Us [Sic], which just came out today, takes… Continue reading