[Gutenberg 47126] • Why We Punctuate; or, Reason Versus Rule in the Use of Marks

The well considered contents of "Why We Punctuate'' should work a reform in the manner of using points. The author proposes no startling innovations, but approaches his subject from the plane of pure reason, substituting carefully-thought-out principles for the empirical rules, which have too long governed American printing offices, and giving us for the first time a rationale as foundation for the entire system.

The work itself shows that practically nothing has been done to advance the science of punctuation for many years, the entire subject having apparently crystallized after the publication of Wilson's book and the compendium of it prepared by Bigelow. How much these last lacked has not been apparent until this author took up the cudgels for less arbitrary rule and more distinctions based on good judgment. He throws light into dark places and makes it possible at last for a student to acquire a number of broad principles in place of the interminable rules and exceptions of the earlier writers. The book is to be welcomed as a much needed contribution to a much neglected topic of universal interest.

-"Chicago Tribune."

No student of English should be without this book.

-"The Globe" (Boston).

The work is valuable, not only to the learner, but also to the scholar.

-"Baltimore American."

The author has undoubtedly gone to the root of the matter in his fundamental theory.

-"The Beacon" (Boston).