“Every person of intelligence should be able to use his mother tongue correctly. It only requires a little pains, a little care, a little study to enable one to do so, and the recompense is great.” The quote is from Joseph Devlin, the author of How to Speak and Write Correctly, one of the most enduring and useful guide books to effective communication. First published in 1910, it has been an unpretentious, valuable handbook for those who have neither the time nor the inclination for in-depth study of the elaborate intricacies of grammar and composition.  Devlin covers the essentials in plain language with a focus on practical application for everyone. Topics include the three essentials of speech – purity, propriety and precision; the elements of grammar; analysis of sentence structure and rules for coherent sentence construction; proper punctuation and common punctuation errors; and the use of figurative language.  The author gives significant space to the many idiomatic terms and expressions peculiar to the language and to the common errors made by even the finest writers and speakers. Many readers find the background material on the history of language interesting and instructive.  Others find the tips on letter writing and sample letters helpful.  Whether your involvement with speaking and writing is occasional or professional, the time spent with this accessible volume will yield insights and reminders that can’t help but improve your ability to communicate.

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