Oxford Style Manual

Another triumph for the Oxford reference series. One can only agree with the cover sticker that stakes its claim as 'the essential handbook for all writers and editors'. The major parts of the book are the Guide to Style and the Dictionary for Writers and Editors. The first part considers in detail all aspects of style starting with the parts of a book and preparation of copy and proofs. Other chapters include punctuation, numbers, quotations, specialist subjects, copyright, indexes, references and notes. The second part identifies historical figures, abbreviations, places, phrases used from other languages and spelling issues such as hyphenation and whether words are written as one or two in specific instances. I shall consult this frequently.