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The best books on writing/journalism?

  • 25-07-2008 9:15pm
    #1
    shepthedog
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,689 ✭✭✭


    Looking for some advice on what books to purchase..

    I am interested in books focusing more on the practical side of writing, the nuts and bolts of everyday practical journalism.

    From previous threads I see that a lot of people on the boards are actively involved in the media so would be keen to hear what books helped you form your craft and style?

    I have considered, Essential English for Journalists but I am looking for a more practical guide rather than a reference book.

    A friend also recommended this one

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Writing-Tools-Essential-Strategies-Writer/dp/0316014990/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214517656&sr=8-1

    Perhaps the Giles Coren book on style will be hitting the shelves soon.. After his anger management classes..


Comments

  • #2
    Dudess
    Closed Accounts Posts: 37,214 ✭✭✭✭Dudess


    Harold Evans was always the name bandied about when I was studying journalism/working in a newspaper. However that was usually by the more old-skool guys. Maybe he's not as relevant now. No harm checking him out though.


  • #3
    flogen
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 10,247 Mod ✭✭✭✭flogen


    Not sure if Harold Evans would be good for nuts and bolts tips (I'm assuming the OP means practical skills in writing, pitching, etc. by that) but he'd certainly be worthy of a read if you want to get examples of great investigative journalism and tales of proprietor/editor battles. Good Times, Bad Times is his account of his work in The Times and Sunday Times.


  • #4
    jdivision
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,260 ✭✭✭jdivision


    The Elements of Style by Strunk and White should be your first stop and you should read it every three months thereafter (it's very short but brilliant)


  • #5
    Dublin's Finest
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 470 ✭✭Dublin's Finest


    The Universal Journalist by David Randall is useful with some good tips and anecdotes.


  • #6
    shepthedog
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,689 ✭✭✭shepthedog


    Thanks for the replies! Will look into them...


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  • #7
    shepthedog
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,689 ✭✭✭shepthedog


    Finally got around the purchasing, Essential English for Writers by Harold Evans.. It's meant to be a must have for every journalist and so far it's interesting reading.. Something more to dip in and out of rather than read in a couple of sittings.


  • #8
    Vunderground
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 428 ✭✭Vunderground


    The Rathmines Stylebook by David Rice published by Folens


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