The Glamour of Grammar (Book Review - Giveaway Closed)

As a grammar geek and aspiring writer, I was eager to read The Glamour of Grammar by Roy Peter Clark. I like this paragraph, from the Introduction:

[This] book invites you to embrace grammar in a special way, not as a set of rules but as a box of tools, strategies that will assist you in making meaning as a reader, writer, or speaker. Living inside the language requires a grammar of purpose, a grammar of effect, a grammar of intent. This type of grammar puts language into action. It doesn't shout at you, "No, no, no," but gives you a little push and says, "Go, go, go." This type of grammar enables us to practice the three behaviors that mark us as literate human beings: it helps us write with power, read with a critical eye, and talk about how meaning is made.

The Glamour of Grammar contains 50 articles, each with a summary of its key points.  The articles are divided into five sections:  Words, Points, Standards, Meaning, and Purpose.  It's a fun but effective way to learn--or to refresh your knowledge of--grammar and style.  However, I wish that the author had not injected political opinion and profanity into the text.  He even includes a lengthy list of synonyms for "the f-word."  Without the profanity and politics, this book would be a phenomenal resource.  As it is, I'm disappointed in it.  I realize that these inclusions will not be a problem for everyone; I wanted to point them out so that you can make your own decision.  [Edited 8/11/10 to add:  To see the author's response, please scroll down to comment 43.]

For more information about the book, visit the Hachette Book Group product page.

Win it: Thanks to Little, Brown and Company, and Hachette Book Group, one reader will win a copy of The Glamour of Grammar.

This giveaway is closed.

Here's how to enter: Just leave a comment. Super-easy! Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. Limit 1 entry by this method. This must be done in order to qualify for extra entries.

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More details: Open to residents of USA and Canada, age 18 or older. Giveaway ends 8/18/10 at noon (Eastern time). Winner will be chosen by the random number generator at Random.org. Winner will be contacted by email and must claim the prize within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen. No P.O. Box addresses. Void where prohibited.

Disclosure: I received an advance reading copy of the book, at no cost to me, for review purposes.