Handbook of Technical Writing

by Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, Walter E. Oliu

Now in its eighth edition, this classic book remains the complete technical-writing reference for students and professionals alike. Alphabetically organized and easy to use, its nearly 400 entries provide guidance for the most common types of professional documents and correspondence, including reports, proposals, manuals, memos, and white papers. Abundant sample documents and visuals throughout the book demonstrate effective technical communication, reflecting current practices for formatting documents and using e-mail. In addition, advice on organizing, researching, writing, and revising complements thorough treatment of grammar, usage, style, and punctuation to provide comprehensive help with writing skills. This edition has been thoroughly revised to include expanded advice for analyzing the context of different writing situations, using and integrating visuals, and dealing with ethical concerns in technical writing. Improved coverage of research now includes guidelines for IEEE-style documentation as well as clearer explanations of copyright and plagiarism concerns. Entries throughout the book have been revised, updated, consolidated, and streamlined to provide the most accurate and accessible information. Comprehensive yet concise, the Handbook of Technical Writing remains the quick reference faithful users have come to appreciate.

Genres: Reference, Writing, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Business, Language, Education

688 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Gerald J. Alred is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and internationally known as author of numerous articles and books that reflect his scholarly and teaching interests.

Reviews

[Jessica]

Ah, the audacity of the belief that if you just list all grammatical problems in alphabetical order, we can fix student writing once and for all. Our students will just look up "commas" or "jargon" or "passive voice" and all will be solved. Ha.

[Nawar Youssef]

This book is very good and useful for people who want to be better in their technical writings. I didn't give it 5 stars because I didn't read it completely, I picked up only what was required for my class.

[Ursula Kallio]

This is a must-have resource for technical writers, and for folks who want to support technical writers. It is also full of rationale that you can write up for anyone who questions why you are writing something a certain way.

[Monica]

Actually, I read the 11th edition, but that's not on Goodreads. Not exactly riveting Saturday afternoon reading, but a great, usable textbook nonetheless.

[Janine Miller]

As a technical writer, this is my go-to guide. It's easy to find what you're looking for. The explanations are simple and understandable. And one of the authors was a professor of mine in college. :)

[Erin]

This is one of the books used for a class I teach.

I like this book, it's short and sweet.

[Susan]

Will keep this one handy forever - extremely useful and my grad school class took a good approach to assignments with it as a text book.

[Amanda]

This review is for the twelfth edition spiral binding version. A helpful, well-designed guide that I purchased for my college technical writing class. Of course, I haven't read it cover to cover. This is an alphabetical reference book that has helped me a lot this semester in my writing courses. It is a guide I know I will come back to again and again while I'm in school, and maybe even after I graduate. I feel it is worthy of 5 stars due to the nice design, concise and clear writing, useful examples given when necessary, and helpful notes throughout the text. It is easy to find what I am looking for and the cross-referencing between entries is simple to navigate. I can't find anything to complain about.

[Emily Palmieri]

This book covers everything, even things I didn't know I needed to think about!

[David]

Good for learning how to write technical documents. See his newer books.

[Bobbie Jo]

Alred, G. J., Brusaw, C. T., & Oliu, W. E. (2011). Handbook of technical writing with 2009 mla and 2010 apa updates. Bedford: St. Martin’s Press.

Citation By: Bobbie Jo Noblett

Reference Type: Handbook

Call Number: OCLC: 744292159

Content/Scope: This book was written as an all-in-one help guide to technical writing for students and professionals. It features advice for organizing, researching, and revising grammar, usage, style, and punctuation.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: In this tenth edition, the entries have been thoroughly revised and updated to provide the most accurate information.

Arrangement/Presentation: The 624-page book has nearly 400 entries that are alphabetically organized. The book includes works such as professional documents, reports, proposals, manuals, memos, etc.

Relation to Similar Works: There have been nine previous editions in this series.

Timeliness and Permanence: The most recent edition, this book has been thoroughly revised to maintain relevant information.

Accessibility/Diversity: This book is available in a spiral-bound hardback edition.

Cost: $32.03

[Faith]

This is a great reference book that will remain in my personal library long after I graduate. Valuable information regarding technical writing and professional writing.

Handbook of Technical Writing, Tenth Edition has been my go to book in my professional writing classes.

[Fibrowitch]

One of the few college text books still in my collection. Was a good book then, is a good book now.

[Manjuladevi Velusamy]

Good reference book at each stage of writing.

[Matt]

I sure am glad that I don't have to do a lot of technical paper writing any more, but I do recall that this book offered good advice on the subject.

[Umer Shafiq]

it is a good book for me.........

[Le Huy]

very good

[Marie Ana]

technical writing

[Violetta]

very convenient as a reference or a source of further study - useful to have at the office as well