The craft of scientific writing /

The Craft of Scientific Writing contains many valuable insights: "Analyze not only what your audience knows, but also why they are reading"; "Begin with what is familiar before moving to what is new"; "Keep things as simple as possible, yet no simpler" (this last piece of advice is from Einstein). In this updated edition (3rd ed., 1996), the author discusses the many challenges and distinctions in scientific writing, and the effects that good or bad writing can have on one's career. Good scientific writing should hold the interest of the reader by connecting ideas using seamless transitions and tying visual aids to the text. Using real-world writing examples and a host of graphics and figures, the author effectively demonstrates what works, what doesn't, and why. Ten chapters, labeled "lessons," offer guidance on how to analyze the audience, balance precision with clarity, avoid ambiguity, and use writing time efficiently. Appendixes on grammar, punctuation, usage, and format are included, as well as a glossary of writing and publishing terms. This easy-to-digest guide will be useful for engineers, scientists, and anyone interested in writing for a science-minded audience, or about science-related topics. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. --Susanne Markgren, Manhattan College