English Composition & Grammar: Complete Course

Warriner's English Grammar and Composition

by John E. Warriner

English Usage

Genres: Writing, Reference, Language, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Classics, School

847 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1951

About the author

Mr. Warriner - originally from Michigan, where his parents were educators - received his bachelor's degree in English at the University of Michigan and his master's at Harvard University.

He taught at the New Jersey Teachers College in Montclair in the early 1930's, then became an English teacher at Garden City High School in Garden City, L.I. He retired from teaching in 1962.

It was during World War II that a publisher's representative approached Mr. Warriner about revising a textbook that had been in use since 1898. Mr. Warriner instead offered his ideas for a new book. But when the publisher's timetable seemed indefinite, he took his ideas to Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

The result was ''Warriner's Handbook of English,'' intended for grades 9 and 10. Books for the other grades followed.

''I had a theory about what a textbook should be,'' Mr. Warriner recalled years later, ''and we incorporated it into this book. The theory I've always gone on is that the teacher does the teaching. I mean by that the textbook is merely a record of what the teacher teaches; and the idea that a textbook can be lively and exciting and illustrated and full of pictures and sort of like a bulletin board - that's not what I want in my classes.''

Reviews

[Maureen]

This is, hands down, the most complete reference on English grammar and composition that I have ever seen. I have used it since high school, and both of my daughters used it when they were in high school. One of its most useful features is the section on diagramming sentences, a lost art. There are new frontiers that anyone writing a bibliography these days needs to know in terms of citing internet resources, but for everything else, this is the one of the best references I have found.

[Tina]

This is the copy I still own, now shelved next to Diana Hacker's Writers Reference, Strunk and White's Elements of Style, and the teacher's edition Bedford Guide - and others. Of these, Warriner gives the firmest grounding in syntax, with explanations behind the rules. At one point I had a complete set of the individual books for each grade level. These offered even greater depth of understanding, a guide to exploring the great puzzle of language. Studying these finer points of English in middle school was a great benefit when faced with Linguistics in college, and made it easier for me to grasp other languages.

[Peter]

The most helpful guide to English composition and grammar I've found. I keep it handy. Easier to use than the old Prentice Hall handbook I used since college.

[Richard]

I will have to admit this book is excellent in its precision of explanation. Like other reviewers I have read on this book it sits by me when ever I am writing or typing. It is a must have for every home. There are other books in this series design for earlier grades.

[Stephen Hargrove]

I guess I'll always be reading this book. Nice reference.

[S.F. Fury]

Excellent reference material...hand in hand with Elements of Style.

[Melody Schwarting]

I absolutely love grammar. To me, it's riotous good fun. So for me to find this book boring is a hard judgment. Language is a living thing, and to have a lifeless grammar text is anathema. Even though the copy I have is woefully out of date (language is a living thing...), it is still very useful as a reference text. Good for brushing up and looking up.

[Prashanth]

i want to read this book

[Erik Graff]

This was the grammar and composition guide utilized at Maine Township High School South in Park Ridge, Illinois during my four years there. It was the first such reference book I'd ever read and it was of vital importance in helping me prepare for college by writing formal research papers while in secondary school. It's also noteworthy as being a sturdy little thing, looking and feeling about the same now as it did, lo, those many years ago.

[Christopher]

I just found this book from high school (yes, I stole all my high school books when I left/was asked to leave the public school system) and placed it on my desk right next to my thesaurus. Can you tell that I really need to read it again just in case there is no editor around to fix my scripts?

[Chris Gager]

A torture chamber for young students of the native tongue. I remember trying to understand it back in prep school freshman English. I suppose it did me some good. Not quite the correct edition we used. Ours was ten years earlier. Date read is approximate.

[J. Boo]

1958 version suggested on OILF as a good grammar series (separate textbooks each year) for grades 7 - 12.

Comments here: http://oilf.blogspot.com/2016/04/clas...

[Charlie]

Essential.

[Kidsbookworm]

Need to compare this to my Harbrace. I still pull that out, but the kids need their own copy for reference.

[Abdel L-qadi]

awsome

[SEKOU]

i will like to reaad this book for feature in order to advance my self

[Susan Molloy]

✔️Published in 1951.
Excellent reference book.

📕 Media form: Read from my private library.

[Theresa]

I'm seriously addicted to this book. Someone please help me. ;)

[Lisa]

Great examples in the structure sections. Solid reference index. Great tool to have on your shelf.