About the book
“William Zinsser turns his zest, warmth and curiosity—his sharp but forgiving eye—on his own story. The result is lively, funny and moving, especially for anyone who cares about art and the business of writing well.”
—Evan Thomas, NewsweekIn Writing Places, William Zinsser—the author of On Writing Well, the bestseller that has inspired two generations of writers, journalists, and students—recalls the many colorful and instructive places where he has worked and taught. Gay Talese, author of A Writer’s Life, calls Writing Places, “Wonderful,” while the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette praises this unique memoir for possessing “all the qualities that Zinsser believes matter most in good writing—clarity, brevity, simplicity and humanity.”
More than a memoir, this is a masterclass in the writing life, taught through the unforgettable places where a master honed his craft.
- Journalism History: Step into the smoke-filled city room of the legendary New York Herald Tribune in its 1950s heyday, a world of mavericks, oddballs, and gruff men in fedoras.
- The Freelance Writer’s Life: Discover the lonely but liberating world of a freelance writer, from an office with a fire pole to travels with an Olivetti typewriter for magazines like Life and The Saturday Evening Post.
- Teaching Writing: Go inside the halls of Yale University as Zinsser finds a new calling and develops the principles that would become his most famous work.
- The Story of a Classic: Learn the surprising origin story of On Writing Well, the beloved guide that grew from a Yale classroom to help generations find clarity, simplicity, and humanity in their own work.
Editions of Writing Places
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780061729034
- EBook
- ISBN 9780061877063
Read an Excerpt
“William Zinsser turns his zest, warmth and curiosity—his sharp but forgiving eye—on his own story. The result is lively, funny and moving, especially for anyone who cares about art and the business of writing well.”
—Evan Thomas, NewsweekIn Writing Places, William Zinsser—the author of On Writing Well, the bestseller that has inspired two generations of writers, journalists, and students—recalls the many colorful and instructive places where he has worked and taught. Gay Talese, author of A Writer’s Life, calls Writing Places, “Wonderful,” while the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette praises this unique memoir for possessing “all the qualities that Zinsser believes matter most in good writing—clarity, brevity, simplicity and humanity.”
More than a memoir, this is a masterclass in the writing life, taught through the unforgettable places where a master honed his craft.
- Journalism History: Step into the smoke-filled city room of the legendary New York Herald Tribune in its 1950s heyday, a world of mavericks, oddballs, and gruff men in fedoras.
- The Freelance Writer’s Life: Discover the lonely but liberating world of a freelance writer, from an office with a fire pole to travels with an Olivetti typewriter for magazines like Life and The Saturday Evening Post.
- Teaching Writing: Go inside the halls of Yale University as Zinsser finds a new calling and develops the principles that would become his most famous work.
- The Story of a Classic: Learn the surprising origin story of On Writing Well, the beloved guide that grew from a Yale classroom to help generations find clarity, simplicity, and humanity in their own work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Writing Places about?
“William Zinsser turns his zest, warmth and curiosity—his sharp but forgiving eye—on his own story. The result is lively, funny and moving, especially for anyone who cares about art and the business of writing well.”
—Evan Thomas, Newsweek
In Writing Places, William Zinsser—the author of On Writing Well, the bestseller that has inspired two generations of writers, journalists, and students—recalls the many colorful and instructive places where he has worked and taught. Gay Talese, author of A Writer’s Life, calls Writing Places, “Wonderful,” while the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette praises this unique memoir for possessing “all the qualities that Zinsser believes matter most in good writing—clarity, brevity, simplicity and humanity.”
More than a memoir, this is a masterclass in the writing life, taught through the unforgettable places where a master honed his craft.
- Journalism History: Step into the smoke-filled city room of the legendary New York Herald Tribune in its 1950s heyday, a world of mavericks, oddballs, and gruff men in fedoras.
- The Freelance Writer’s Life: Discover the lonely but liberating world of a freelance writer, from an office with a fire pole to travels with an Olivetti typewriter for magazines like Life and The Saturday Evening Post.
- Teaching Writing: Go inside the halls of Yale University as Zinsser finds a new calling and develops the principles that would become his most famous work.
- The Story of a Classic: Learn the surprising origin story of On Writing Well, the beloved guide that grew from a Yale classroom to help generations find clarity, simplicity, and humanity in their own work.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Writing Places?
Language and Linguistics > Language: reference and general > Writing and editing guides
Where can I read a sample of Writing Places?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780061729034
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Writing Places?
William Zinsser
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Writing Places is available as paperback(ISBN 9780061729034) and ebook(ISBN 9780061877063)
Where can I buy Writing Places online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Writing Places?