Is this apropriate for non-native English speakers?

[Amanda]

So, English isn't my native language and as I can read and understand it very well, my writing is still very elementary.

Is this book gonna help me or you have to pass through years on school before understanding it?

[Jonathan]

On the contrary, I think not being a native English speaker makes this book even more useful.
While a native speaker might realize and notice certain interesting quirks of literature they didn't until now, for the non-native speaker this is a true passageway to what makes writing in the English language so great. It's a very enjoyable read and I warmly recommend it.

[Craig]

If you are interested in the nuance and beauty available within the English language, native speaker or not, this work is a wonderful overview.

[Lucy]

I LOVED this book. English is not my first language, not to mention I'm from a completely different cultural background, but this book made me laugh out loud.

[Chinstrapmcdouchebag]

No; the book talks down to you. It glosses over the finer points of language and tells a few outright lies to try and offer a cohesive vision of the power of the form of communication Forsyth has arbitrarily decided is most "beautiful". If you like his writing and want to be an advertising copywriter or do something else non-critical with the factoids he offers, fabulous. If you're actually trying to understand english or want to put your own ideas across at a level that requires rhetoric, perhaps you should consult the academic scene that Forsyth has so bitterly left.

[Michael]

You should definitely read it. If you choose to do so Amanda, I'd be curious to know about your experience. I can't imagine reading Elements in my second language.

[Tim]

Like the majority here, I have enjoyed Mark's third book on language. Yes, it's perhaps better suited if you seek to improve your writing skills and what not, but even when you're interested in (the English) language, then by all means, read the book. Maybe my review can provide a little more insight on what to expect: click here. Oh, and do read his other two books (The Etymologicon and The Horologicon) as well.
P.S.: English isn't my native language either.

[Penny]

I enjoyed this book more of the semiotics side of things, and it interesting to read a different perspective on language. If it is the writing you are finding a challenge then I would just play with writing.

Fry's English Delight, and Planet Word are better books for getting into the finer points of the English language. Planet Word by Stephen Fry was also made into a documentary series which makes for good watching.

If you choose to read the book, I would love to know how you get on with it.