Quick Look
A user-friendly guide to punctuation which gives step-by-step explanations in clear, readable English. For students, people writing for business, authors and creative writers.
Description
-- For people who've read Eats, Shoots and Leaves but who still don't know where the apostrophe should go
-- Readable, step-by-step guide by published writers
-- Neither dumbed-down, nor dry and academic -- filling a gap in the market
This is a user-friendly guide to punctuation which gives step-by-step explanations in clear, readable English. The authors cover all the basics, including sentences and full stops, commas, apostrophes, colons and semi-colons, brackets, hyphens, question marks, inverted commas and paragraphs.
It is written for people who work in business or education and need to write professional reports, essays or business letters; creative writers and authors; or simply those who feel they missed out at school. There are examples and quizzes (with answers) throughout.
Differences between US and UK punctuation are addressed, making this a useful tool for those learning international English as a second or foreign language.
Presented in a pocket-sized hardback with thick paper slipcover, and with witty line illustrations, this book will also be an ideal Christmas gift.
Reviews
'A very funny and helpful new book...'
--Jenny Hare, Woman's Weekly, November 2006
'If you want to know more about commas, paragraphs and
semi-colons...then Jenny Haddon and Elizabeth Hawksley's useful, motivating and witty guide may be just what you're looking for...This book should appeal to a wide audience, whether you're teaching or learning punctuation or just want to refresh some hazily remembered rules.'
--Mary Zacaroli, The Oxford Times, November 2006
'Getting the Point has been of invaluable help for checking punctuation and grammar, and their examples make me laugh.'
--Mary Zacaroli, The Oxford Times, books of the year, 2006
'This readable guide will be invaluable to writers of anything, whether they are going off to university, starting out in employment, or submitting professional reports.'
--The Good Book Guide, October 2006
'The truth is, I could hug the authors for producing this book. For years it’s been hard to know what to recommend to the many of our clients who have difficulties with punctuation; I had resorted to recommending a children’s book on the subject. Getting the Point is an easy-to-follow guide presented in imaginative and entertaining form.'
-- Hilary Johnson, Hilary Johnson Authors’ Advisory Service
'This book is just right for young adults entering work for the first time. The transition from 'teenage text speak' to clear and effective business communication can be huge and many 16-19 year olds, trying to establish their credibility and demonstrate their potential as a young employee with lots to offer, struggle to bridge this gap. This practical guide with light-hearted stories is a great guide and should be as essential as their iPod.'
-- Martyn Drain, UK Career Academies Foundation
'This book, with its explanations and exercises , is very useful and can certainly be recommended to students as well as adults.'
--The Scientific and Medical Network Review, Winter 2006-2007
'This book is designed for adults but it is great for kids too … It is also full of witty illustrations and quizzes making it fun to read'
-- Education Otherwise, Feb 2007
'For serious punctuation advice or light-hearted amusement, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book.'
--Gill Stoker, University and College Union Magazine, April 2007
'For serious punctuation advice or light-hearted amusement, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book.'
-- Gill Stoker, Magazine of University & College Union
Author
Jenny Haddon has had many books published, including romantic novels under the pen name Sophie Weston. She studied English at the University of Oxford, worked in the City for 18 years and is the Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association.
Elizabeth Hawksley studied English and American Studies at the University of Sussex and has a PGCE from the Institute of Education. She has taught both English and Creative Writing and has had thirteen historical novels published.
You can also visit the author's own website at http://www.jennyhaddon.com
Elizabeth Hawksley studied English and American Studies at the University of Sussex and has a PGCE from the Institute of Education. She has taught both English and Creative Writing and has had thirteen historical novels published.
Links
Please note: although this book is now Out of Print in the UK, some copies are still available from our American distributor, Steiner Books. Visit steinerbooks.org for more information and to order.
