The Elements of Style
The Elements of Style began as a pamphlet that William Strunk Jr. had printed in 1918 for his English students at Cornell. It sets out a handful of rules of usage, a handful of principles of composition and a list of words and expressions commonly misused, and its most famous instruction, to omit needless words, is obeyed throughout: the whole thing can be read in an hour. Strunk's manner is brisk and certain, and his advice on the active voice, parallel construction and definite, specific, concrete language has shaped American prose ever since. This is the original text, before Strunk's former student E. B. White revised and expanded it in 1959 into the version most readers know. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Elements of Style
The Elements of Style by William Strunk can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Elements of Style online?
Yes. The Elements of Style opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Elements of Style free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Elements of Style is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Elements of Style in the public domain?
Yes. The Elements of Style by William Strunk is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Elements of Style?
About 54 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Elements of Style?
The Elements of Style by William Strunk is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
