TL;DR
Stanley Fish's 'How to Write a Sentence' delves into the art of crafting and appreciating beautiful sentences, highlighting their structure and impact.
What is How to Write a Sentence about
In 'How to Write a Sentence: And How to Read One,' Stanley Fish provides a comprehensive guide on the construction and appreciation of sentences. Drawing on examples from literary greats like Jane Austen and Philip Roth, Fish dissects the anatomy of striking sentences, revealing the secrets behind their construction. This book is not just a manual on writing; it is an ode to the power and beauty of well-crafted prose, aimed at both writers and readers who seek to understand the mechanics of excellent writing.
How to Write a Sentence 6 Key Takeaways
The Craft of Sentence Construction
Fish emphasizes the importance of understanding the structure of sentences, breaking them down into fundamental elements to appreciate their construction and impact.
Examples from Great Literature
The book features examples from renowned authors, demonstrating how different writers use sentence structure to convey meaning and evoke emotion.
Sentence as a Form of Thought
Fish argues that sentences are not just grammatical structures but forms of thought, encapsulating ideas and emotions in a compact form.
The Pleasure of Writing and Reading
The book explores how writing and reading well-crafted sentences can be a source of deep pleasure, enhancing one’s appreciation for language.
Practical Writing Tips
Fish offers practical advice on how to craft sentences, from understanding the function of each component to experimenting with different styles and structures.
The Relationship Between Form and Content
Fish discusses how the form of a sentence can enhance or detract from its content, emphasizing the need for harmony between the two.
Top How to Write a Sentence Quotes
- 'A sentence is both the opportunity and the limit of thought.'
- 'A good sentence will have a music that compels the reader's attention, and it will break the rules in order to achieve this effect.'
Who should read How to Write a Sentence?
This book is ideal for writers seeking to improve their craft, readers who wish to deepen their appreciation for well-written prose, and anyone interested in the mechanics of language and the art of writing.
How to Write a Sentence Best Reviews
- Adam Haslett, Financial Times: 'Both deeper and more democratic than The Elements of Style.'
- Slate: 'A guided tour through some of the most beautiful, arresting sentences in the English language.'
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How to Write a Sentence FAQs
How do you start a sentence book?
Start by diving right into the story, creating a sense of mystery, flashing back to the past, or setting the tone. The opening should grab attention and set the stage for what follows.
How to write a book in a sentence?
Use italics for the titles of full works like books or newspapers, and quotation marks for short works like poems, articles, or chapter titles. For books that are part of a larger series, italicize the series name and use quotation marks for the individual book titles.
What is an example of by the book in sentences?
He took our work seriously and did things by the book. These exchanges are entirely by the book. With able students, we played it by the book. I am astounded that you would suggest we have not done it by the book.