Understanding Written Grammar

Understanding Written Grammar is a concise survey of the essential grammar needed by anyone who writes for whatever reason -- and by anyone who must write right! It's a book designed for both the cover-to-cover reader and the person who needs quick clarification of a grammatical point. Unlike a standard grammar handbook that merely states the rules and provides an example or two, Understanding Written Grammar seeks "to illuminate the rationale and logic of grammar" and therefore treats its subject -- written grammar -- as a reflection of the way the human mind thinks. Although it can be used as a reference book, Jane Walpole's narrative voice makes this a comfortable book to read in its entirety, especially for those who have found their previous encounters with grammar to be disquieting experiences that led to confusion rather than understanding.

Author Jane R. Walpole taught composition and literature in several community colleges. She earned her master's degree in English from American University and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. She also has four children and a master's degree in biochemistry. Go figure.