Hello friend. I am a huge fan of Design Mom and happy to be guest blogging here in the company of design gurus/mavens/enthusiasts; however, there’s one glaring problem: I don’t know what design is. Do you “do” it? “Practice” it? “Execute” it? To be honest I can’t even say, “I know it when I see it.” But still. I do have something to offer: grammar.
Take a look at the most recent edition of William Strunk and E.B. White’s Elements of Style. I love! If you have ever taken an English class you probably have an old-beat-up-much-loved copy of this simple style guide. It’s quintessential, as they say. How Maira Kalman got the idea into her head that she should illustrate this guidebook is beyond me. (Listen to her story on NPR here—there’s even an opera of it!)
Strunk and White’s examples were already clever and unexpected. The illustrations are perfect. Do read it. Us English teachers will be so pleased.
Somebody else’s umbrella
Well, Susan, this is a fine mess you are in.
He noticed a large stain right in the center of the rug.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Us readers can always use a lesson in grammar. Thanks!
Emily
Shouldn’t it be “We English teachers,” as well as “we readers?” Not to be obnioxious like I was in all my English classes, but I think so…
It was a subtle attempt to acknowledge kacy’s subtle joke. I think we both got it.
Emily
Wow! How incredibly cool! I should snag one since my copy is careworn from my college days. Thanks for the post.
I love this book! The illustrations make it extra special. Everyone should own this book.
Love it! I am a huge nerd who treasures my Elements of Style as a “must-own” and even pulled it out while reading to contemplate HOW it is illustrated, but I’m thrilled with the idea. . .
Thanks!
I love the illustrations!