Encyclopedia of English and Dictionary

To serve both as a manual of instruction and as a work of reference-such is the two-fold purpose of this Encyclopedia. The plan subserves the purpose. Wherever feasible, two books have been devoted to a subject: the first systematically presenting fundamentals, the other exploring ramifications. Thus the needs of the beginning and the advanced reader are fairly met. The content and intent of individual books are outlined below:I and II: "Grammar for Use" describes the "persistent pattern of related words,"and its aim is to be illuminating rather than exhaustive on such various matters as case, inflection, and concord. The "Dictionary of Grammar" is comprehensive and complex, and ought to be studied intensively only by those estimable people who peruse dictionaries with enjoyment.III and IV: The first of the books on English spelling is a guide through its mazes, setting forth the few rules and the many exceptions. The second book is a dictionary listing the mavericks of the spelling range, with suggestions for their corralling. V and VI: The bilk on "Punctuation" answers such questions as:Why punctuate? What is essential punctuation? How does "open punctuation" differ from "close punctuation"? The dictionary of punctuation is concerned with practice rather than principles. It is based on the Government Printing Office Style Manual, a work chosen because its source makes it authoritative; because it is relatively complete, and because it embodies a logical and practicable code. VII and VIII: The book on pronunciation recognizes the "sanctions of section," but specifies and analyzes those elements of pronunciation that are the same for North,South,East and West. The "Dictionary" indicates as amply and accurate as may be the correct pronunciations of a large number of words often mispronounced. IX and X: Both of the books on usage are decidedly unpuristic. However, though emphatically liberal, each declares for certain values and recognizes certain standards. The first of the two books dealing with usage considers the constructions most frequently abused;examines reference, agreement, idiom; and tries to suggest reasonable norms for writing and for speaking.