Hand-book of punctuation :  with instructions for capitalization, letter-writing, and proof-reading

audiobook

Hand-book of punctuation : with instructions for capitalization, letter-writing, and proof-reading

by William Johnson Cocker

EN·~2 hours

Chapters

Description

A practical guide to the art of punctuation, this handbook offers clear, timeless rules for anyone who writes—whether crafting a business letter, a school essay, or a literary piece. Drawing on examples from classic English works, it shows how the best writers employ commas, periods, capitals and italics to shape meaning and avoid costly misunderstandings. The author also highlights the occasional disagreements even seasoned authors have about punctuation, reminding readers that some conventions are flexible while others are essential.

Beyond theory, the book provides concrete advice for teachers and students, suggesting hands‑on exercises that let learners punctuate their own writing before copying others’ work. It stresses the importance of teaching punctuation alongside spelling and grammar, arguing that clear marks are the backbone of effective communication. With straightforward explanations and real‑world illustrations, the volume equips readers to write with confidence and precision.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~2 hours (131K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Original publisher

New York: A. S. Barnes & Co., 1878.

Credits

Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)

Release date

2023-12-22

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

WJ

William Johnson Cocker

1846–1901

Best known for practical late-19th-century guides on punctuation and civics, this teacher-writer aimed to make clear writing and public knowledge easier to learn. His surviving books still feel straightforward and useful, especially for readers curious about how English was taught in that era.

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