Editor's
bookshelf 
- Kathy Hall
- Senior Editor
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Healt Sciences
- University of Washington
- Book Reviews
The Facts On File Dictionary of Classical, Biblical & Literary Allusions, Abraham H. Lass, David Kiremidjian & Ruth M. Goldstein
- This alphabetized reference book is a wonderful shortcut through the ages of Western Civilization. For example, did you know that Aldous Huxley borrowed the phrase "Brave New World" from Shakespeare's "Tempest"? The FOF reference was published in 1987 and so, unfortunately, is out of print. It's worth hunting in used book stores. (Reviewed 2/01)
The Oxford Book of Work, edited by Keith Thomas
- This anthology quotes authors through the centuries, starting about 700 B.C., as they contemplate the various faces of employment. If you are looking for material on farm labor, textile work, or topics such as physical hazards and dissatisfaction, this book provides easily accessible quotes. I was recently looking for a historical perspective on child labor, and found nine entries, $35 at University Bookstore. (Reviewed 11/00)
Medical Writing: A prescription for clarity, Neville Goodman and Martin Edwards
- This book could be called "Plain English 101 for medical students." It uses crisp, clear language to describe the pitfalls of inflated and superfluous words. The examples and occasional cartoons are amusing, but the message is sound. It includes a chapter on drawing clear graphs and a set of rewrite exercises. $22.95 at University Bookstore. (Reviewed 10/00)
New York Public Library Writer's Guide to Style and Usage
- It may not be as comprehensive as Fowler's Modern English Usage, but it seems more practical. For example, on the "who/whom" usage question, Fowler goes on for 3 1/2 pages, offering seven rules. NYPL outlines a three-step process, then walks you through five examples of how to use it. I found the current edition at Half Price Books for $10 ($40 list). (Reviewed 8/00)
Technical Editing: The practical guide for writers and editors, Judith Tarutz
- This highly readable volume describes what technical editors do and what they need to know. Emphasis is on the practical. Topics include types of edit (production edit, copy edit, literary edit), how to make tables fit on a page, and how to create a house style guide. Perseus Books. c. 1992, Hewlett-Packard Press. It's available for $35 from Solutions, Amazon.com and major bookstores. (Reviewed 8/00)
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Page updated 2/9/02 by Kathy Hall
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