Bugs in Writing - Softcover

Dupre, Lyn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0201600196 ISBN 13: 9780201600193

Publisher: Addison-Wesley (C), 1995

Synopsis

Presents an alternative, intuitive way of looking at written language that is based on the concept of ear; the ability to hear, without analysis, whether a given word order, sentence, or term is correct. Explores problems that writers face. Paper.

About this title

About the Author

Lyn Dupré was born in Manhattan, where her father was an editor for the Wall Street Journal, the Herald Tribune, and the New York Times, and her mother was the buyer for the Teacher's College Bookstore. She studied philosophy and law at Barnard College and at Cambridge University. She has had over 15 years of experience as a freelance copy editor and developmental editor, specializing in computer-science, science, and medical textbooks. She has edited over 400 books for various major publishers, and has worked for numerous academic institutions. She also works directly with graduate students and other authors to help them improve their writing. Lyn edits and writes during breaks from her serious work as a wood carver and photographer. She wrote BUGS in Writing under the close supervision of her cats, BB and Red. Her fondest hope is that the availability of this book will eliminate any future need for her work as a copy editor.

0201600196AB04062001

From the Back Cover

A second edition is now available

"You can borrow my dictionary or steal my thesaurus. Just stay away from my copy of BUGS in Writing...After reading a few pages of this book I instantly ordered copies for all my students." Patrick Henry Winston Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Those of us who have worked with Lyn Dupré treasure her keen wit, and, above all, her absolute mastery of writing." Carver Mead Scientist, Educator, Author California Institute of Technology

"Lyn combines an intellectual command of her subject with a madcap imagination to take you on a joyous romp through the English language. Every scientist will want a copy to keep handy atop the computer." Abraham Silberschatz AT&T Bell Laboratories

"This book captures all of the subtleties that commonly hinder attempts at unambiguous and readable writing. Lyn's style is wonderful...humorous, enjoyable, and incisive. I even liked the plot; we really get to know Lyn, Max, Red, BB, and many other characters." Peter G. Neumann Author of the Dupré´ved Computer- Related Risks

BUGS in Writing, written with verve and wit, may be the first book on writing that people read for sheer fun. BUGS presents an alternative, intuitive way of looking at written language that is based on the concept of ear: the ability to hear, without analysis, whether a given word order, sentence, or term is correct. BUGS explores problems that writers face, and explains how to rid your prose of these bugs.

Designed for easy browsing, it comprises 150 independent and easily digestible segments, resembling a daily newspaper column. Simple principles for lucid writing are conveyed by numerous, intriguing, and frequently hilarious examples that are classified as Bad, Ugly, Good, or Splendid.

BUGS was developed for anyone who writes and who works with computers, including computer and other scientists, students, professors, business people, programmers, and technical writers. Rather than subjecting yourself to the pain and tedium of wading through a reference book on English grammar, pick up BUGS; you will soon find yourself browsing amusing and interesting material. While you are enjoying yourself, you will be tuning your ear: You will soon find that you are writing lucid prose that communicates your ideas. 0201600196B04062001

Edition details

• Publisher: Addison-Wesley (C)
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0201600196
• ISBN 13: 9780201600193
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 649