"Don't let the title of this book fool you. It's not for the
businessmen and women only. A valuable resource tool,
it's for anyone wanting to improve his writing."
I know nothing about the business world. In order to present a review of this book, I'm going to draw on the resources of the (mostly) savvy customers of Amazon--where Brusaw's "The Business Writer's Handbook" has garnered sixteen 4- & 5-star reviews, none in the 2-3 range, and one 1-star review.
Let me get the one negative review out of the way first. It has information in it that may be helpful.
Business School Student: "This book is exactly the same as 'Handbook of Technical Writing' by same authors. The only difference is in the cover picture and colors. I think it is not a cool thing to sell the same book with two names without mentioning it. So if you have that one, do not buy this one. They are exactly the same." (1 star)
All the rest of these quotations are from 4- or 5-star reviews. Note that in the first one, Eric Roth addresses the issue of how much the book does or does not date, from one edition to the next.
Eric H. Roth: "This practical classic of business communication works for multiple audiences from MBA students and project managers to undergraduate business students and international business working in English as a second language. The concise, clear entries explain topics, provide model documents, and cover an impressive range of alphabetically arranged materials.
"While the new edition features orange highlighted text, weblinks, and a stronger section on visuals, budget conscious consumers can find plenty of value in this [older] edition.The basic principles of business writing remain the same - and same English grammar problems puzzle writers today as a few years ago. ESL students, by the way, will especially appreciate the short grammar tips and editing suggestions.
"Bottomline: The Business Writer's Handbook should be on your bookshelf if you work in business, write business documents, or study business communication. If you can afford the 9th edition, buy it. Otherwise, pick up this classic in the 8th edition and save yourself some money."
Jason Kwong: "...it is a wonderful reference tool. I've referred to the handbook time and time again, and it has many visual examples for you to follow. No individual in the business community should go without this book."
James O'Neil: "Business writing books abound in the marketplace. This one (or the companion Handbook of Technical Writing) needs to be on the desk of everyone who has to write memos or proposals or reports--next to a good dictionary and the Gregg Handbook."
C. Arredondo: "Great investment. Well organized and easy to use. Absolutely valuable. Gives good examples of letters, memos, basic grammatical issues."
S. Gayler: "I am still using it long after I was done with my business writing class. It has help me write many resumes and cover letters."
Dr. Kenneth W. Davis: "This A-Z reference book can answer lots of specific questions at each step in the writing process. It's on the short list of recommended resources in my book The McGraw-Hill 36-Hour Course in Business Writing and Communication."
Jose L. Leyva: "This book has been one of the best tools I've recommended when training corporate executives on how to communicate more effectively."
Scott Knudsen: "This book is great for showing you how the flow of any type of letter should be. It also shows you how to use proper grammar, punctuation, and writing style. A great book for anyone who ever needs to write a letter on any subject."
mrgrege: "This is a great handbook. The alphabetized entries make finding topics easy. I had been relying on other handbooks that are more academic in nature; this one is meant for the workplace. It contains information and examples on many topics that are hard to find in other writing handbooks. I highly recommend adding this to your library if you do much writing in your position."
'Hope this helps you make up your mind! =smile=
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--Fiona Webster
This book is available on my Bookshelf.
