First You Write a Sentence.
  • Published: 4 February 2020
  • ISBN: 9780241978511
  • Imprint: Penguin General UK
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 240
  • RRP: $22.99

First You Write a Sentence.

The Elements of Reading, Writing … and Life.

Formats & editions
Paperback
4 Feb 2020
EBook
1 Oct 2018
Audiobook
27 Sep 2018
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A style guide by stealth - how anyone can write well (and can enjoy good writing)

The sentence is the common ground where every writer walks. A poet writes in sentences, but so does the unsung author who came up with Items trapped in doors cause delays. A good sentence can be written (and read) by anyone if we simply give it the gift of our time.

Enter widely-acclaimed author Professor Joe Moran. First You Write a Sentence is his unpedantic and authoritative explanation of how the most ordinary words can be turned into verbal constellations of extraordinary grace. Using examples ranging from the Bible and Shakespeare to George Orwell and Maggie Nelson, and studies of what can best fire the reader's mind, he shows how we can all write in a way that is clear, compelling and alive. Good writing can even make ourselves known to others and live more meaningful lives. It's an elegant gem in praise of the English sentence.
  • Published: 4 February 2020
  • ISBN: 9780241978511
  • Imprint: Penguin General UK
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 240
  • RRP: $22.99
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Praise for First You Write a Sentence.

Moran has fast become Britain's foremost explorer and explainer of the disregarded

Juliet Gardiner, author of 'Wartime: Britain 1939-1945'

Joe Moran is the most perceptive and original observer of British life that we have

Matthew Engel

Moran is a wonderful, witty writer, and here he surpasses himself

Marcus Berkmann (on Shrinking Violets), Daily Mail

Joe Moran has a genius for turning the prosaic poetic

Peter Hennessy

Thoughtful reflections on how to write well

John Mullan, Guardian Review

Compelling . . . There's plenty in Moran's book to delight grammar and language nerds

Daniel Hahn, The Spectator

Humane and witty . . . as a primer in generous and lively writing, First You Write a Sentence is blithe and convincing

Brian Dillon, New York Times

Exquisite...Moran's own sentences are so deliciously epigrammatic that I considered giving up chocolate in favour of re-reading his book...He is more mentor than instructor

Irina Dumitrescu, TLS
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