The Elements of Expression: Putting Thoughts Into Words

“Humorous, thought-provoking, and right on the mark.”—Library Journal

There are many grammar and usage books that give advice on correct English—this isn’t one of them. This is, instead a compact, popular guide to expressiveness as a goal apart from getting it right. Written with wit and humor, it offers writers, speakers, and self-improvers a fresh look at how they express (or fail to express) their thoughts and feelings. Elements of Expression offer readers many engaging examples of adventurous language that will not only capture attention, but help them communicate a greater range of meanings and experience.

Those who want to write correctly will turn to other books. Those who care about language and want to write vividly, forcefully, effectively—in a word, expressively—will turn to this lively and informative guide. Richard Lederer, author of Crazy English says, “The Elements of Expression invites writers and speakers to make language that actually inhales and exhales, language with its shirtsleeves rolled up and eyes ablaze.” (Well put!)

Arthur Plotnik is a versatile author whose works include the classic The Elements of Editing—a Book of the Month Club selection—as well as The Elements of Authorship. In his career with the American Library Association, he earned numerous distinctions as publisher, author, and editor. Reviewers have consistently praised Plotnik's writing for its accuracy, style, and wit, often ranking it with Strunk & White in practicality.

An award-winning journalist, magazine executive and book editor, Arthur Plotnik is also the author of The Elements of Authorship and the best selling The Elements of Editing. A former publishing executive for the American Library Association and a member of American Forests, he lives in Chicago with his wife, artist Maty Phelan.