Performing Prose: The Study and Practice of Style in Composition

by Chris Holcomb, M. Jimmie Killingsworth

In Performing Prose , authors Chris Holcomb and M. Jimmie Killingsworth breathe new life into traditional concepts of style. Drawing on numerous examples from a wide range of authors and genres, Holcomb and Killingsworth demonstrate the use of style as a vehicle for performance, a way for writers to project themselves onto the page while managing their engagement with the reader. By addressing style and rhetoric not as an editorial afterthought, but as a means of social interaction, they equip students with the vocabulary and tools to analyze the styles of others in fresh ways, as well as create their own. Whereas most writing texts focus exclusively on analysis or techniques to improve writing, Holcomb and Killingsworth blend these two schools of thought to provide a singular process of thinking about writing. They discuss not only the benefits of conventional methods, but also the use of deviation from tradition; the strategies authors use to vary their style; and the use of such vehicles as images, tropes, and schemes. The goal of the authors is to provide writers with stylistic “footing”: an understanding of the ways writers use style to orchestrate their relationships with readers, subject matter, and rhetorical situations. Packed with useful tips and insights, this comprehensive volume investigates every aspect of style and its use to present an indispensable resource for both students and scholars. Performing Prose moves beyond customary studies to provide a refreshing and informative approach to the concepts and strategies of writing.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Academic

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent rhetorical approach to the analysis and practice of style. It is extremely well-organized and written, with explanations that are both clear and challenging. This is a book for readers and critics as well as writers of any genre who wish to improve their prose. The exercises at the end of each chapter allow the user to practice analyzing the concepts introduced, and also to practice employing the techniques.

My one complaint about the book, which doesn't often interfere with the reading or use of the book overall, is the authors' choice of examples. From the frequent, dated references to George W. Bush and the War on Terror to the prose selections that might not register as well with female readers as male (even when the writer of the sample is female), I found many of the prose examples throughout the book to be distracting.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clear and sensible book on prose style, whose advice is grounded solidly in work in linguistics, rhetoric and discourse analysis. Grammar is the set of rules which govern the writing of a text; style is the range of choices open to a writer working within those rules.

My one question has to do with the aim of the authors. I don't disagree with almost anything they say, but that seems to me almost a weakness of the text: It seems to repackage familiar ideas about writing more than add to our stock of them. As a teacher, then, it's hard for me to see why I would decide to use this particular text on stye rather than one of the many others it competes with

[Reyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very readable, helpful, and well-organized.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to understand, written for the non-academic reader. Easy to understand basic concepts related to composition.

[Johnna Gurgel · Rating 3 out of 5]

- Wonderful overview and examination at prime elements for strengthening and enhancing prose
- Easy to read and understand
- Solid examples
- Excellent reference book