
Transcribed from the 1904 Edward Arnold edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
This thoughtful essay treats “style” as more than a literary buzzword, tracing its evolution from the humble iron pen to a universal metaphor for every human expression. By comparing the writer’s tool to the crafts of architecture, music, drama, and even sport, the author shows how the same principles of balance, ornament, and rhythm shape all creative acts. The introduction sets a lively tone, inviting listeners to see style as the living imprint of personality that survives long after words fade.
The work then surveys a wide spectrum of concerns—sense and meaning, the power of metaphor, the clash between good and bad slang, and the tension between romantic flourish and classic restraint. Each chapter uses vivid analogies and real‑world examples to illustrate how writers can harness variety, clarity, and force without slipping into pretension. For anyone curious about the mechanics behind compelling prose or poetry, the essay offers both philosophical insight and practical guidance, making the elusive art of style feel accessible and engaging.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (141K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
1997-09-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1861–1922
A lively literary critic and teacher, he helped shape the study of English literature at Oxford in the early 20th century. His writing ranges from sharp essays on major authors to reflections shaped by the First World War.
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