The Canadian Writer's Handbook. 5th ed.

Janet Collins is a freelance writer in Sechelt, British Columbia.

The wonderful thing about language is there is always something new to learn. In the case of English, there are so many rules and exceptions thereto and rules that only apply on rare occasions that it is easy to forget some of the more subtle nuances that make the language work. This is especially true of the written word.

Now in its fifth edition, The Canadian Writer’s Handbook endeavours to educate scribbler and scholar alike. The book opens with a chapter on principles of composition ranging from the design of a single paragraph to composition of a full essay. The middle portion of the book concerns itself with grammar, syntax, and usage at the word and sentence level. Considerable space is given to examination of sentence patterns, parts of speech, and so forth. The section on punctuation makes a suitable bookend to Lynne Truss’s indispensable punctuation reference Eats, Shoots & Leaves.

Each topic is covered in depth before the next is presented. For example, there are more than 20 pages devoted to the topic of pronouns, more than 40 to punctuation, a generous 50 pages to mechanics and spelling, and more than 70 pages to advice for researching, writing, and documenting.

The book’s value goes beyond the expansion of ideas as discussed in volumes such Strunk and White’s Elements of Style and other stalwart sources of information about the written language. A helpful learning aid appears within each topic section—they conclude with a series of writing exercises (answers are found online so the temptation to cheat is lessened).

The appendices add to the book’s instructional value by offering sample student essays complete with comments and grades. An explanation of common marking symbols and checklists for use in revising, editing, and proofreading are also helpful additions. A generous index and list of writing exercises contained in the book rounds out the volume.

In a world increasingly dominated by text message abbreviations and rap/hip-hop music lingo, those wishing to write using proper Canadian English may be at a loss for where to begin. Fortunately, books like The Canadian Writer’s Handbook are there to help.

A useful textbook for higher grades or as a self-help study guide.